McLaren suspended Sporting Director Dave Ryan

During second practice at Sepang on Friday, McLaren issued a statement confirming that Sporting Director Dave Ryan has been suspended due to his role in the Lewis Hamilton/Jarno Trulli Melbourne saga.

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh lauded the contribution to the Woking-based team of the long-serving New Zealander, but said: "I suspended him this morning and he has accepted this."

Whitmarsh had told the press on Thursday that McLaren did not lie about the Melbourne safety car incident, but evidence provided by the FIA proved this was not the case.

Ryan left the Sepang circuit during the initial free practice on Friday.

Whitmarsh said: "His role in the events of last Sunday, particularly his dealings with the FIA stewards, has caused serious repercussions for the team, for which we apologise. Therefore, I suspended him this morning and he has accepted this."

McLaren Mercedes statement in full
This morning, Dave Ryan was suspended from his position as Sporting Director of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.

Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “In my 20-odd years working for McLaren, I doubt if I’ve met a more dedicated individual than Davey. He's been an integral part of McLaren since 1974 and has played a crucial role in the team’s many world championship successes since that time."

“However, his role in the events of last Sunday, particularly his dealings with the FIA stewards, has caused serious repercussions for the team, for which we apologise. Therefore, I suspended him this morning and he has accepted this.”