McLaren leave the door open for Prodrive

Prodrive had agreed a deal to run McLaren-Mercedes cars next year, but the discussions stalled because of legal threats posed by Williams. The matter was due to be heard by the FIA International Court of Appeal next week, but the hearing has been postponed.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has made it clear, however, that his team would re-open negotiations with Prodrive if the uncertainties surrounding the legality of customer cars in F1 are removed.

"The contract was completely agreed," said Dennis at Interlagos. "Two issues did occur, but one was easily resolvable and related to guarantees.

"But there was a stumbling block in wanting absolute clarity to get validity to enter as customer McLarens. It was something that was out of our hands.

"We were supportive of the programme - if it does get resolved, they can come back to us and we can pick up from where we left off. Certainly, we were in a comfortable place."