Stepney eager for FIA meeting

As autosport.com revealed yesterday, Stepney is to meet the FIA's legal department to discuss his role in the spy affair - with motor racing's governing body then due to decide whether or not he should be punished.

A recent meeting scheduled for earlier this month had to be cancelled because of unforeseen circumstances.

In a statement issued by Stepney's solicitors Coyle White Devine on Friday, it was made clear that he was eager for the hearing to take place so he could clear his name.

"Despite having to endure months of unfounded allegations, Mr Stepney has maintained a dignified silence, secure in the knowledge that he would, one day, be able to explain his position and offer a perspective based on more than 30 years as a Formula One 'insider'," said the statement.

"He was ready to do this at the FIA disciplinary hearing scheduled for Thursday 7th February in London.

"Unfortunately, the FIA's legal team was unable to attend this hearing, citing 'flight difficulties' in Geneva as a reason. The hearing will now take place at some stage after 7th March 2008.

"Mr Stepney is very much looking forward to this postponed opportunity to put his side of the story in a legal environment, rather than continue to endure ill-informed allegations against him."

It is understood that McLaren's suspended chief designer Mike Coughlan has already been punished for his role in the affair after meeting the FIA.