McLaren keen to build bridges with FIA

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Ahead of Wednesday's extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris into the 'lie-gate' saga, McLaren were seen to be making all the right moves and noises in Bahrain over the weekend.

"We're trying to build a relationship with the FIA, and beyond that looking ahead," confirmed Whitmarsh.

Whitmarsh, who has already thrown himself on the mercy of the World Council by writing a letter of unreserved apology for his team's deceit, will on Wednesay adopt a non-confrontational approach.

He will face the WMSC alone, with no legal representation present, as he discusses the five charges levied against his team for which they have already admitted their guilt. McLaren's company lawyer, Timothy Murnane, will accompany Whitmarsh although he is only acting in an observational capacity.

Since world champion Lewis Hamilton and Dave Ryan, who was sacked as McLaren sporting director, were caught lying to the stewards at the Australian Grand Prix in a bid to claim third place, the team have taken positive steps to show they are turning over a new leaf.

Hamilton's apology, Ryan's dismissal, Dennis' exit, Whitmarsh's letter, all point to a changing of attitude and ways within the team. As one insider remarked: "They can't go crucifying us now."

McLaren are still in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code, relating to fraudulent conduct or act prejudicial to the sport. But equally, in attempting to move forward, they are eager to build bridges with the FIA as Whitmarsh appreciates they have not always done so in the past.

Whitmarsh added: "I think we have to build in some other areas of that to make sure we steer this team in the right direction. I've been working with the FIA most recently, and I'm grateful for the support they've given me and this team.

"Hopefully that is the start of us building a better relationship in the future. I'm pushing hard to take this team forward, and that's what we are going to try and do."