Hamilton exhales as McLaren in the clear

After a six-hour extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris, McLaren were found guilty of being in possession of confidential information belonging to rivals Ferrari.

But due to "insufficient evidence" the information was used to "interfere improperly" with the championship, no sanction was imposed.

That leaves Hamilton and Alonso clear to continue their duel, with the latter now just two points behind the young British star with seven grands prix remaining.

Hamilton said: "Whilst it's only my first season in Formula One with the team, I already know and appreciate the commitment and dedication of the people there.

"As a result I am pleased with today's decision and can't wait for the rest of the season."

Reigning double world champion Alonso is also delighted he is free to push for a hat-trick now the WMSC have delivered their verdict.

"Having only been part of McLaren for a few months I know how important today's decision will be for everybody," said Alonso, now an 11-8 favourite with bookmakers William Hill, while Hamilton is 15-8.

"I am looking forward to an exciting second half of the season and to continue our battle for both world championships."

McLaren are currently 25 points clear of Ferrari in the fight for the constructors' crown.

Team boss Ron Dennis is certainly relieved the matter is behind him and said: "There is no doubt that the past 24 days have been challenging.

"But the tremendous support we have received from our sponsor partners and the public has been much appreciated.

"Moving forward, McLaren want to reaffirm our long-standing commitment to honesty and integrity and re-state that we believe we have acted correctly throughout.

"Now, we have Formula One world championships to win. As a result we intend to move on, so as to maintain the focus and commitment required to do exactly that."

A McLaren statement reaffirmed Dennis' belief his team had done no wrong, although that view was unsurprisingly completely at odds with Ferrari's view.

It read: "A unanimous decision has been taken by the FIA which in McLaren's opinion is very balanced and fair.

"McLaren accepts that the FIA World Motor Sport Council had no alternative other than to find that there was a purely technical breach by reason of the possession of certain information by one individual at his home, without McLaren's knowledge or authority.

"McLaren is delighted the World Motor Sport Council determined that this information was not used and accordingly imposed no sanction whatsoever on the team.

"McLaren looks forward to continuing its fight in what is the most exciting drivers' and constructors' world championship in many years."