FIA to probe McLaren

Double-world champion Alonso believes Hamilton, who leads him by four points in the battle for the world championship, will get preferential treatment over him in the race as they battle for the title, due to having been part of the McLaren fraternity since he was signed as a junior driver aged ten.

To keep him satisfied, the chief of the Spanish Motoring Federation (FEMP), Carlos Garcia, formally requested an independent observer to make sure all things are kept equal, something the FIA have now agreed to.

"It is true to say the FIA have provided another steward to make sure nothing bad happens to Fernando [from within the team], particularly during qualifying. This is where there have been more complaints of strange situations," Garcia told Spanish newspaper AS.

"On October 3, I held a meeting with [FIA president] Max Mosley and I showed my concern over the situation that Fernando is going through to him. He reassured me [something would be done]."

The FIA's unprecedented step comes in the wake of McLaren themselves issuing a statement in which they vow to ensure equality between Hamilton and Alonso.

"This has been a tremendous season to which the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team and our drivers have, I believe, contributed a great deal," said team boss Ron Dennis.

"This contribution has been enhanced by allowing Fernando and Lewis to race each other with complete equality.

"This will, of course, continue in Brazil where the entire team will be doing its absolute best to win the Drivers' World Championship."