McLaren unruffled by special scrutineer

The FIA has appointed the special scrutineer after the head of the Spanish motorsport federation Carlos Gracia raised concern that McLaren may favour Lewis Hamilton over teammate Fernando Alonso in their battle for the world championship.

But Dennis said today his team have nothing to hide and said he has invited Gracia himself to be McLaren's guest for the weekend.

"First of all, I made contact with [Gracia] and met with him and his colleague and invited them here because there is obviously a firm belief in Spain that we are not being equal handed and that is contrary to the facts. I felt that would defuse the situation.

"We did meet on Wednesday morning and had a good conversation. I said that, to make sure there was no inability to communicate, that Pedro [de la Rosa] would translate for them.

"I think there will be an additional [FIA] scrutineer in the garage tomorrow. He can wear a headset and do anything he wants - it will only make it more apparent that we are doing what we have been doing.

"Am I offended? It is not relevant to us. We will get on with the job and be judged by the outcome of the race."

Dennis said the atmosphere in the team, with Hamilton and Alonso separated by just four points, is "a little tense, but it is professional and calm."

Asked what his relationship with Alonso is like right now, Dennis admitted he has been distancing himself from both drivers - all in the name of maintaining equality.

"To be honest I have tried to step back from both drivers in this difficult situation; I have tried to be even handed," he said. "I am available at any time, but I am not going to push myself into any situation.

"I can only be judged by my actions, and I am prepared for it to be just that."