McLaren deny Ron Dennis to challenge new FIA rule

McLaren have played down reports that team supremo Ron Dennis is furious about a new engine rule in Formula 1.

It was reported this week that Dennis vowed to sue the FIA if it enforces the new regulation whereby manufacturers may be compelled to supply customer engines.

"You will never get an engine from Honda," Dennis, indicating his intention to enforce a contractual veto in McLaren's Honda deal, is quoted as having told Red Bull boss Christian Horner at a recent strategy group meeting.

"Rather, I would sue the FIA over the new rule," Dennis reportedly said, according to Auto Motor und Sport.

It has also been rumoured that while Honda may be prepared to begin supplying customers next year, Dennis wants McLaren's deal to remain exclusive.

A McLaren spokesman told GMM: "We have been and remain part of a healthy debate around the issues of power unit convergence and sport stability.

"As we are still in dialogue it would be unhelpful to that ongoing debate to focus on areas in which agreement has not yet been achieved, and to express those differences of approach in the media.

"Specifically, however, we confirm that we are absolutely supportive of Honda, and supported by Honda, in all such discussions."

McLaren sit fourth in the rankings after the first four grands prix of the year.