[RocK]

More than a year after the granting of the FIA tender, serious opposition within the Formula One pitlane has emerged against McLaren supplying standard ECUs to all teams starting in 2008.

It is reported in the specialist technical publication Auto Motor und Sport that at least Renault, Ferrari, Honda and BMW - after trying the jointly Microsoft-McLaren electronics system recently in testing - are not happy with the idea of using the unit for the next three years.

McLaren Electronic Systems, although separate to Ron Dennis' F1 team, is based at the Woking factory and part of the McLaren Group.

The German magazine said that the aforementioned teams experienced problems with engine and throttle control when they fitted the McLaren ECU at a recent test session.

It is suggested that some teams may also now be uncomfortable with the idea of forcibly working closely - including exchanging data - with a team that is accused of industrial espionage.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore is openly unhappy about working with McLaren in 2008-2010 and is believed to be exploring legal options.

"How am I to trust a company that is at the centre of a spying scandal?" he is quoted as saying.

BMW's Mario Theissen added: "I have to say that (when we tested the ECU) some serious situations arose."

McLaren and the FIA, however, dismiss the concerns. A spokesman for McLaren said: "MES acts independently of the (F1) team," while the FIA source insisted that the awarding of the tender will be followed through with.

"The teams always oppose anything that is new," he added.

D.B. © CAPSIS International
Source GMM via F1-Live

[Mikko Nassi]

The teams have known about this for over a year I think so now is a bit late to complain to try to not have them used - but of course they are right to complain if they're having troubles with the ECUs. Bringing Mclaren's other current troubles into it is a bit ghey.