JULY 24, 2000

McLaren prepare for Hakkinen hearing result

THE Federation Internationale l'Automobile (FIA) are keeping the location of McLaren's hearing on Tuesday, into the alleged infringements on the electronic box of Mika Hakkinen's Austrian Grand Prix-winning car, under wraps.

Race stewards will hear McLaren's case to explain why one of two mandatory seals on an electronic box in Hakkinen's car was missing after he raced to victory at the A1-Ring on July 16.

But the FIA will only say that the hearing will take place in London, and have kept an exact location secret to avoid excessive press interest.

The Woking-based team insist they will only comment on the matter after Tuesday's hearing, but suggested in Austria that they are confident that the result will stand and the Finn will keep his second victory of the season.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis, team lawyers and Hakkinen are expected to attend the hearing to put forward the team's side of the argument.

A decision was expected last Wednesday, but the FIA released a statement one day later announcing the decision had been postponed until nearer this weekend's German Grand Prix.