According to media reports, Ferrari performance development chief Nigel Stepney declared he had nothing to ho hide. Stepney was accused by Ferrari of attempted sabotage, after he was involved in an incident ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.

In Monacio, the team discovered a mysterious white powder on the gas tanks of their two cars. The reports said that the powder was sent for examination to the police, while the parts were removed and replaced.

Ferrari has initiated legal action against the Briton in Italy, although Stepney has not yet been formally charged with any wrongdoing.

"I have confidence I'll be cleared by the legal process that's now taking place," Stepney told The Sunday Times. "It's part of a dirty tricks campaign and everything is in the hands of my lawyer, so we'll see what happens." he added

Ferrari team principal Jean Todt was quoted as saying: "The fact that we have handed a report to the prosecutor shows that we have discovered something illegal."

Also Luca Colajanni, Ferrari spokesman, confirmed Friday that Stepney was named in the report which the team handed to the court in Modena. "Nigel Stepney is still an employee but we have brought an action against him.” he said.

According to the Italian media, on Friday Italian police had searched Stepney's house near the Maranello factory and left with a small container. Stepney joined Ferrari in 1992 as chief mechanic.