Ferrari mechanic denies sabotage

Stepney has been involved with Ferrari's pit crew for many years

Ferrari technical manager Nigel Stepney has denied allegations of sabotage made against him by the Formula One team.

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

"I have confidence I'll be cleared by the legal process that is 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."

Reports in British and Italian newspapers have suggested that a white powder was found in the petrol tanks of the Ferrari cars prior to the Monaco Grand Prix.

Stepney is still an employee but we have brought an action against him Ferrari

The Sunday Times also reported that Italian police searched Stepney's house and left with a small container.

Stepney, who is also the subject of internal disciplinary procedures, joined Ferrari in 1992 as chief mechanic before being promoted to race and test technical manager.

He was moved to a new role, in charge of team performance development, before the start of the season.

"Nigel Stepney is still an employee but we have brought an action against him," said a Ferrari spokesman earlier this week.

"It is not related to any event, it is related to his behaviour."

After a bright start to the season, Ferrari have struggled to keep pace with McLaren at the top of the F1 standings.