I'm not quitting, says Dennis

The Woking-based team were forced to make a apology to the sport's governing body earlier this month for not realising just how far Ferrari information had spread within their organisation.

And with an FIA technical inspection having thrown up suggestions that Ferrari-inspired parts were being considered for their 2008 car, McLaren also offered a design moratorium on those developments in a bid to stave off the threat of sanctions.

The admissions have cast question marks over the future of team boss Ron Dennis, but speaking to the News of the World on Sunday, the Briton made it clear that he has every intention of carrying on.

"I'm not going to quit. That is 100 per cent," he said. "I know there are people out there who want me to retire, but I'm not. I do not think it would be in the best interests of the team."

McLaren's public apology and the offer of the design freeze have left the FIA keen to bring the spying matter to a close, with FIA president Max Mosley asking the World Motor Sport Council to cancel a hearing into McLaren's 2008 car plans scheduled for next February.

A decision on that matter is expected this week.