FIA clarifies points distribution for teams

The FIA has clarified the implications of McLaren's exclusion from the constructors' championship following uncertainty about what it means for other teams in races

With McLaren not eligible to score points for the rest of the season, there had been some uncertainty about whether or not other teams would benefit in terms of getting more points for races if they finished behind Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso.

But in a statement issued shortly before the race, the stewards confirmed that teams would only get their normal tally of points for finishing positions.

"Points in the FIA Formula One Constructors' Championship will be awarded strictly in accordance with 2007 Formula One Sporting Regulations, Article 6.4, that is to say the points awarded to a constructor will relate solely to the position in the race achieved by each constructor's car, regardless of any position attained by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes," read the statement.

This means that if McLaren finish 1-2 in a race, then the third place car will still get the regular six points for third place. There had been some suggestions the first non-McLaren car home would get 10 points for effectively being the first constructor.

The stewards also confirmed in the statement that if McLaren win a race then no representative of the team will be allowed on the podium and no constructors' trophy will be presented.