McLaren promise equality in Brazil
McLaren insist there is fair competition between Hamilton and Alonso
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Wednesday, 10, Oct 2007 10:41
McLaren have insisted that Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will be given an equal chance to win the Formula One drivers' championship in the final race in Brazil.
The Surrey-based outfit said it would not give preferential treatment to either driver despite on-going accusations from Alonso that the team favours the British rookie.
Hamilton is four points ahead of the Spaniard in the race for the championship and seven ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.
But McLaren claim they will be satisfied as long as one of their drivers finishes in front of the Finn.
A McLaren statement said: "Following suggestions that there might not be equal treatment for both Fernando and Lewis, the team wants to make it absolutely clear that its policy of treating both Fernando and Lewis with complete equality and fairness will continue for the final race in Brazil on Sunday 21st October 2007.
"This policy has been conducted throughout the year and McLaren and Mercedes-Benz will continue to take every step that is within their control to ensure that both Fernando and Lewis will enjoy the same opportunity to win in terms of equality of car, engine, tactics and use of resources."
Team boss Ron Dennis said the competition between the two drivers had enhanced the Formula One season, claiming such a contest would not have been possible without equality in the team.
Norbert Haug, vice president of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, added that the fact the two drivers are separated by so little at the top of the drivers' standing illustrates the impartiality within the team.