FIA said there was insufficient evidence the data was misused, but said McLaren could face future sanctions if there is evidence that it was used to influence the world championships.

"We reserve the right to invite McLaren back in front of the (world motor sport council), where it will face the possibility of exclusion from not only 2007, but also the 2008 championships," FIA said in a statement.

FIA had asked that McLaren answer a charge that it broke the sport's code by acquiring documents and confidential information belonging to Ferrari. That included "information that could be used to design, engineer, build, check, test, develop and/or run a 2007 Ferrari Formula One car."

The hearing was called to work out how Ferrari's information ended up with McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan, who has been suspended, and if other team officials were aware of the contents.

McLaren has said its cars do not contain any Ferrari-related alterations.

Autosport magazine reported that Ferrari head of performance Nigel Stepney, who has since been fired, e-mailed Coughlan before the season started with details of the moveable floor in Ferrari's cars.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso lead the driver standings with seven of 17 races left in the season. Hamilton has 70 points and Alonso 68, while Felipe Massa has 59 and Kimi Raikkonen 52 for Ferrari.

McLaren also leads the constructor standings with 138 points to 111 for Ferrari.