Those e-mails...

Naturally there is massive interest in the nature of the e-mails between Pedro and Fernando(which according to one correspondent on this forum, do not exist). As far as I know, they do exist but no-one outside the FIA or McLaren has seen them.

However there is all sorts of speculation about what's in them. One of the best observers in the paddock gave me his understanding of what they might contain. The gist is that the exchange allegedly took place a long time ago - almost certainly in March(long before Coughlan got hold of the dossier) - and it is claimed that it may have started with a message from Pedro to Fernando. This concerned details of the way Ferrari was running its cars, how they worked the tyres and so on. Then Fernando replied, apparently dismissing this as just a lot of gossip. But Pedro then allegedly came back and said that, in fact, this was hot stuff which had come from Coughlan via Stepney....

I emphasise this is NOT fact and could be well wide of the mark and that is why it is in this blog and not in the paper. However it might be close to the truth and, if it is, you can immediately see why McLaren is in such serious trouble and why the FIA has recalled the World Motor Sport Council(WMSC).

An interesting point is the timing. As I mentioned, this exchange took place well before Coughlan got the dossier at the end of April. The WMSC seemed to emphasise in its earlier judgement that the possession of the dossier and use of the information in it by McLaren was the crux of the matter. Remember it said that it couldn't find enough evidence that McLaren had used the information from the dossier but if it did, then the team would be recalled(as is about to happen).

You might think that the e-mails thus fall outside the scope of that judgement and the parameters for recalling McLaren. I put this to the FIA and it was made clear that the Council is as interested in the flow of information between Stepney and Coughlan before the latter received the dossier as it is in what happened after Coughlan got the files from Stepney. So it looks unlikely that McLaren can wriggle out of it on those grounds. 

I went to BMW Sauber's annual media dinner at Monza on Friday night hosted by their sponsor Credit Suisse. I sat next to some of my German colleagues who are living in a post-Schumacher world and watching with interest as we in Britain go through what they did in Germany for 16 years following Michael. For so many seasons they feasted on every detail of his life and racing and now, suddenly, the tap has been turned off and interest is falling away while us Brits have more on our plate than we can handle with Lewis.

Obviously they are keen for Michael to remain involved in Formula One but the view seems to be that unless Ross Brawn takes over at Ferrari and Jean Todt leaves - or moves aside to leave Ross in total charge - then Micheal will stay on side lines and may never play a significant role. What a pity(and waste) that would be.

BMW has a surprisingly and impressively down to earth feel(as I found when visiting their team base at Hinwil) and under, Mario Theissen, they are steadily climbing the Formula One mountain. The goal is that they will be serious championship contenders next season which means a big step is required with the new car. So far the team seems confident about its work for 2008 - the design is in the wind tunnel right now - but senior figures were cautious about a sudden leap to the top cautioning that it may take a couple more seasons yet.

Also, they like Kubica a lot and still see him as world champion material. 

Comments

[Lamikiz]

This seems to be two unfinished articles put together, one on "those emails" and another on BMW Sauber's progress. Are those two subjects somehow subtly connected, or is it just a piece of confussing journalism?

[Robinson Crusoe]

"...As far as I know, they do exist but no-one outside the FIA or McLaren has seen them.

However there is all sorts of speculation about what's in them...

I emphasise this is NOT fact and..."

So... You are writing about nothing. Isn't it? More exactly: you are writing what, when, how, who and where about nothing.
I understand this is a blog. But this is a blog under the name and prestige of a well known newspaper, and your post is not plenty of journalism but bullshit.
It's a pity, this could have been a good blog.

[IDR]

Ed,

There are a lot of news here in Spain telling that during the declaration of Coughlan at the London high court last 10th of August, he said that he shared some information of Ferrari affair with Martin Whitmarsh (McLaren General Manager) and to Paddy Lowe and Paul Taylor (Design responsible and Manager respectively).

It seems that this information came from The Guardian.

Do you Know something about that?
How accurate this information is?

If so, there should be no doubt about McLaren behaviour, doesn´t it?

Thank you very much.

Regards,

[Fernando]

If the contents of the e-mails were those, I can't see any reason for re-calling the WMSC, mobilizing a lot of people to Paris and withdrawing the view at the International Court of Appeal.

That "chat" back in march (were nobody suspected anything) wouldn´t mean anything but a change of opinions between drivers.

I guess it has to be something more consistent. And I suppose that those e-mails between Pedro and Fernando were writen in spanish, with plenty of "idioms" and internet slang. There has to be something really technical like graphs, desings or something to make all this noise.

Ed: Congratulations for the objectivity that you're showing in this case.

[An Insider, from Suffolk]

I said that those emails do not exist.

Of course, De La Rosa and Alonso have communicated by email for several other reasons and both have already sent their full inbox/outbox and saved folders to the FIA. But do not worry, none of those have any specific value.

The emails sent are sort of this:

De La Rosa: "Hey, Alonso, whats up! Coming to my place to have some tapas and cerveza?

Alonso: "Sorry mate! I can't. I have to set-up Hamilton's car for tomorrows race"

De La Rosa: "Never mind"

Alonso: "See you tomorrow then. And don't drink too much San Miguel"

Could this be true??

LOL

[Oscar Prendes Lago]

Insider, you're a talented person regarding foreign languages.

I mean you used cerveza, tapas and San Miguel in the same sentence, without any mistake.
You are my hero!

[Peter White]

Actually the content of one email is published in a newspaper - the Italian 'La Gazetta Della Sport'. Also the police raided the McLaren motorhome after Q3!
See my blog for details, and keep up the good work Ed

[An Insider, from Suffolk]

Peter, I do not understand italian. Where's that email?

By the way,

When the police raided the McLaren Motorhome after Q3 they found De La Rosa having a Messenger conversation with Alonso:

De La Rosa: "Well done Alonso, you've got P1"

Alonso: "Cheers mate!!"

De La Rosa: "Any plans for tonite?"

Alonso: "Need to rest. I have a ride tomorrow"

De La Rosa: "Some birds are coming to mine in a couple of hours. Fancy a 'nancy' with one of them?"

Alonso: "I can't. I'm married"

De La Rosa: "And?"

Alonso: "Ask Lewis. He might"

De La Rosa: "No. He's busy"

Alonso: "What's he up to?"

De La Rosa: "He's sleeping at Mosley's place"

De La Rosa: "So, you are not coming, aren't you?"

Alonso: "I told you I can't. Ask Ron"

De La Rosa: "No way. He is psychologically down. The girls would leave straight away"

Alonso: "No. Just make some 'sangrea' with Rioja and you'll be sorted"

De La Rosa: "Good point. I think you've saved my night. Good luck tomorrow, you'll need it!!"

Alonso: "Bye then"

De La Rosa: "What's this?, the Police is here, in the motorhome. One is pulling my arm!!. He wants the PC. I have to leaveeeledrfuijk"

Alonso: "Pedro, are you there?"

I hope you enjoy the reading

The Insider

[An Insider, from Suffolk]

Oops, I forgot: of course I know that La Gazetta della sport has published the content of one email:

It reads as follows:

"Do you know that I've found out how Ferrari is able to get its tires to work to perfection?" de la Rosa was quoted as writing to Alonso earlier this year.

He added: "Nigel Stepney told Mike Coughlan."

"I don't believe it," Alonso reportedly replied.

Mr X in action sending fictitious information to various newspapers. (see my comment in Strange days in Formula 1)

AND THAT's IT!! Maybe they were talking about a Ferrari testarossa. Nice car.

Because actually, looking at the way McLaren treat their tyres would suggest that they are innocent. LOL

[Leonard]

Well, are these comments anything to go by especially the ones from Insider - some of his last ones looked clearly like jokes which is disappointing since people are coming here to look for any droppings of information they can get.

My dearest Leonard,

I am so glad that you find my sense of humour amazing. Of course my comments are intended to look like jokes but the bottom line (if you read behind the lines)is lthat they are not.

All this is a calculated move from Alonso and Mr X. Don't you know who Mr X is?

Why you people don't get it?
Do I need to write it down in other languages?

By the way, this is a blog and I like to post funny oomments to bring a smile to readers. Life is too harsh so let's enjoy and have a laugh about all this hyperactive conundrum (riddle, puzzle, dilemma).

To be honest, whether FA, LH, FM, KR or AH wins the WDC, I don't give a toss. I just want to enjoy F1 and this weekend I will drink belgium beer.

I hope all readers/bloggers do keep healthy and maintain a good sense of humour.

With love to you all (including Ed, of course)

Insider, now reporting from Suffolk