McLaren remain behind Dennis

McLaren boss Ron Dennis will not be forced to stand down after a week which has seen rumours surrounding his future with the F1 team intensify.

Earlier this week Italian investigators - assisted by Surrey Police - went to the homes of leading McLaren personnel, including Dennis, as a criminal case remains ongoing regarding last year's spy scandal.

But McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh has categorically dismissed the scaremongering and said: "The rumours are unfounded - for a number of reasons."

He added: "First, the visits were merely part of ongoing enquiries by the Italian authorities, who used the Surrey Police as intermediaries.

"As such, they weren't really very surprising, or therefore very stressful.

"Second, and most important, people who suggest that Ron may be forced to step down don't understand the corporate structure of the McLaren Group.

"Ron is fully supported by all our shareholders, all our management, and all who work for our team and our company.

"He currently has three roles: chairman, McLaren Group; chief executive officer, McLaren Group; team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

"It therefore follows that it is for Ron to decide when and if he should step down, step away, step back, or whatever."