Ferrari have sacked Nigel Stepney following an internal investigation.

Ferrari are reported to believe Stepney stole parts and sold those and technical information to other teams.

Ferrari have not revealed any more information, and have not said which other teams they believe to be involved.

But on Tuesday their title rivals McLaren released a statement saying one of their staff was implicated in the Italian team's investigation.

The statement said: "McLaren became aware on the 3 July 2007 that a senior member of its technical organisation was the subject of a Ferrari investigation regarding the receipt of technical information.

"The team has learnt that this individual had personally received a package of technical information from a Ferrari employee at the end of April.

"While McLaren has no involvement in the matter and condemns such actions it will fully co-operate with any investigation. The individual has in the meantime been suspended by the company pending a full and proper investigation of the matter."