By Huw Alban (28/05/03)
May 28 2003

Toyota accused of espionage ? This site couldn't quite believe it either ! However, a German publication has accused Ferrari technicians of approaching the Toyota team offering confidential F2002 car design secrets for cash. Team principal, Ove Andersson, has been quick to distance his team from the accusations. "No," was the quoted vehement answer to questions as to whether the report was true. "We do not condone any sort of industrial espionage. We were not approached by anyone." A Ferrari spokesman has also been quoted, saying the publications claims are "absolute rubbish."

The publication backs up it's accusation with evidence that the action was not that of a sole employee, but that there was a network of Scuderia workers involved. A key person is highlighted, however, and it is alledged that his person also worked at Renault and McLaren but was eventually fired by Ferrari boss Jean Todt after confidential data was found on his computer.

Auto, Motor und Sport also states that Jaguar Racing were also offered the same data. At the time of writting there has been no comment from the Milton Keynes based team.