New spy twist puts Lewis title bid in balance

In the latest dramatic twist to the row which has stalked Hamilton's debut season the governing organisation, FIA, called off next week's scheduled court of appeal hearing — and ominously reconvened the World Motor Sport Council to sit instead.

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It was the Council who originally granted Hamilton's McLaren team a conditional pardon on July 26: they were found guilty of fraudulent behaviour after chief designer Mike Coughlan was discovered in possession of a secret Ferrari dossier.

However, the team escaped punishment because there was insufficient evidence that the illegal information had been used to "interfere improperly" with the championship.

Nevertheless, the Council kept the door open regarding the issue, saying they "reserve the right to invite McLaren back, where they face the possibility of exclusion from not only the 2007 championship but also the 2008 championship".

The latest FIA decision raises the suspicion that McLaren could yet face a severe penalty.

Even if they are not thrown out of the championship there is the real prospect of a points reduction, which could wreck Hamilton's title ambitions in his first season.

The British racer is five points clear of his disgruntled team-mate Fernando Alonso and 15 and 16 respectively ahead of the Ferrari pairing of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

Five races — including Sunday's Italian Grand Prix — remain. Other options open to the Council are to impose a fine or merely dock constructors' points.

The news will be viewed as vindication for Ferrari, who were infuriated by the initial non-punishment of their bitter rivals.

They pressed for an appeal through their national federation, which was later granted.

It was scheduled for Paris next Thursday — the date now set aside for the 25-strong Council hearing.

McLaren, while declining to explain the nature of the evidence, issued a bald statement in which they promised to "co-operate fully with the FIA".