Andretti: F1 not hurt by spy affair

With the matter now appearing closed in the wake of the FIA deciding to cancel a hearing into McLaren's 2008 challenger, there are high hopes that the sport can move on from the saga.

And although some observers feel that F1 suffered as a result of the matter, Andretti thinks that Grand Prix racing is in great shape - and that a close season on track, plus the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, should help to lift its popularity.

When asked by Autoweek magazine if he had taken much interest in the spy scandal, Andretti said: "How can you not pay attention to what's going on? You might think it hurts credibility, but you know what? It brought a lot of attention, and it's not all that bad.

"Both sides - the FIA and McLaren - are smart enough to take their licks and move on. The championship was interesting; Lewis Hamilton did his part and made it exciting."

Andretti still sees an F1 future for his grandson Marco, who tested a Honda Racing car last year.

"He needs to be in F1. That's where he needs to be. He has the talent. Evaluating Marco as I have, he has that style.

"He has his moments of brilliance, because he has that ability. In Jerez [at an F1 test in February 2006] in pissing rain the second day, he looked good. In the rain, in the wet, he was absolutely competitive with the times. For six laps behind Fernando Alonso, he was right there with him. Alonso never pulled away a bit.

"Marco needs to step up and let people know what are his desires. I know that's where he wants to be, and I know he can do it."