McLaren spare drivers from media probing

The Spaniard was scheduled to take part in the Thursday press conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, however McLaren had approached the FIA and requested he be allowed to skip the media conference.

"McLaren have asked the FIA to allow Alonso to not show up, and their request has been accepted," the FIA interviewer Bob Constanduros confirmed.

Lewis Hamilton's regular sessions with reporters were also cancelled, although the championship leading rookie went ahead with an engagement for title sponsor Vodafone in Budapest in the morning.

Formula One news coverage over the last few days has been completely dominated by the spying controversy surrounding McLaren and Ferrari.

The tension between the two teams further escalated yesterday after McLaren CEO Ron Dennis accused Ferrari of winning the Australian Grand Prix with an illegal car.

With that in mind, Alonso would have no doubt faced questions from the media about his views regarding the affair and Dennis's claims.

Autosport.com understands McLaren felt this would be unfair towards Alonso, therefore requesting the FIA to release the Spaniard from the press conference.

Sources clarified, however, that Alonso and McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton will take part in their usual media activities this weekend, but the team will ensure they are "focused on racing and winning."