Motorsport: McLaren appeal deadline looming

The last two months have been more about court than cars for McLaren boss Ron Dennis. Photo / Reuters

LONDON - Formula One's governing body has given McLaren until Friday afternoon (UK time) to appeal against their $US100 million fine and loss of 2007 constructors' points as a result of a spying controversy.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA)'s World Motor Sport Council imposed the punishment at a hearing in Paris last Thursday.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said at last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix that the team might not appeal for the sake of the sport and to prevent the controversy hanging over Formula One for possibly years to come.

The size of the fine could be halved ultimately, with revenues and prize money deducted from it according to where the team would have ended up at the end of the season with the points scored prior to the hearing.

McLaren, who still have British rookie Lewis Hamilton and double world champion Fernando Alonso fighting for the drivers' championship, were leading the constructors' standings before being stripped of all their points.

- REUTERS