McLaren insists FIA decision must stand

The Woking-based team has issued a statement insisting that Formula One rules must be upheld, even if they deny spectators the chance to see a dramatic world championship finale in Japan.

'Whilst we understand the sympathy and requests for leniency that some people have expressed, the fact that the outcome of the Malaysian Grand Prix can decide this year's World Championship is irrelevant,' it claims.

'The more important the outcome of a race, the more important it is that the rules are applied consistently and fairly in accordance with the procedures which have been strictly adhered to in the past.'

An independent court of appeal will meet in Paris on Friday to decide whether to reinstate Eddie Irvine and Michael Schumacher in the Sepang results.

McLaren has been invited to attend the hearing, and managing director Martin Whitmarsh will represent the outfit.

It has also been given the option of making a presentation at the meeting.

The appeal court's ruling will have a major effect on its 1999 season.

If Ferrari loses its appeal, Mika Hakkinen will take this year's drivers' title, and McLaren will take the constructors' championship [120-102].

However, if the Italian marque is reinstated, it would lead McLaren 118-114 going to Suzuka in the constructors' standings, and Eddie Irvine would lead Mika Hakkinen by four points [70-66] in the drivers' championship.