Zoom Dennis has made his position clear

Czech motoring chief Radovan Novak has retracted his reported insinuation that McLaren may have been involved in the covert investigation that triggered the Max Mosley sex scandal.

The British team said in a statement on Wednesday that Novak, believed to be an ally of the embattled FIA president, also 'apologised for the misunderstanding' following his recent comments on Czech radio.

Novak is reported to have suggested that it is 'definitely a possibility' that the sex scandal may have been McLaren boss Ron Dennis' retaliation for the espionage affair of 2007.

Dennis subsequently wrote to the Czech Automobile Association chief for a withdrawal or correction of the remarks.

On Wednesday, the Mercedes-powered team said it has now been contacted by Novak.

"Mr Novak has asked us to make it clear that he does not believe that either McLaren or Mr Dennis were involved in the events referred to and that the remarks are not representative of his views," a statement said.

The team added that Dennis thanked Novak "for this gracious and swift reaction. "

Full McLaren statement
"McLaren is pleased to be able to confirm that it has been contacted by Mr Radovan Novak to explain the background that led to certain remarks related to McLaren and Mr Ron Dennis being made in an interview that he gave to Radio Impuls in the Czech Republic.

"Mr Novak has asked us to make it clear that he does not believe that either McLaren or Mr Dennis were involved in the events referred to and that the remarks are not representative of his views.

"Mr Novak has apologised for the misunderstanding and McLaren and Mr Dennis have thanked him for this gracious and swift reaction."

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM