By GMM

The British tabloid News of the World has rejected suggestions that agents working on behalf of the McLaren team were involved in the investigation that triggered the Max Mosley sex scandal.

Including by the Czech motoring chief Radovan Novak, it has been insinuated recently that the newspaper expose, which revealed the now embattled FIA president's sadomasochistic romp with five prostitutes, could have been retaliation for the devastating spy saga of 2007.

Team chairman Ron Dennis categorically denied the charge, and now a source at the News Group newspaper News of the World has played down any possible McLaren link.

"I have not at any stage seen any sourcing from anyone other than our source who just saw an opportunity," the source is quoted as saying by The Times - which is another newspaper published by the Rupert Murdoch-run News Group.

The newspaper source added: "Certainly I have never seen evidence of sourcing or influence by anyone in motor racing or motoring or any interest group involved in motor racing or motoring."