Williams’ chief engineer Mike Coughlan apologises over his role in 2007 spygate scandal – Formula 1
Williams’ newly hired chief engineer Mike Coughlan has apologised for his role over the 2007 spygate scandal.
Coughlan said that these events changed his life and he is back in the sport to earn back his place and respect in the Formula 1 arena.
Coughlan joins the Williams team after being fired from the McLaren team and a ban of two years from Formula sports.
He said, “I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone who was affected by my conduct and in particular the people at McLaren and Ferrari and the fans of those teams. I sincerely regret my actions and I fully accepted the penalty given
to me by the FIA.”
Coughlan was the chief designer of the McLaren team when in 2007 he was involved in information exchange about the Ferrari car.
Coughlan’s accomplice in the Ferrari team was Nigel Stepney who handed over some important information about the car so that the McLaren team can build the same package.
Coughlan was found guilty in the scandal and was fired from the McLaren team. Moreover, the team was handed a fine of 100 million dollars and exclusion from the constructors’ championship for the 2007 Formula 1 season, when they were second on the table.
Coughlan now returns to the Formula 1 arena with a struggling Williams’ team and hopes to do some changes in the car which will help him clear his name.
“Leaving a team and a sport that I love, and then seeing the consequences of my actions on the team and its fans was devastating. All I can do now is work hard and try to earn my place back in Formula 1. This is what I am determined to do with Williams,”
explained Coughlan.
Williams’ hired him to work side by side with the current technical director Sam Michael but his position for the 2012 season will be decided on his performance in the current season.
Tags: