Originally posted by Slartibartfast
I hope Dave Ryan does choose to attend the WMSC hearing, assuming they invite him. As he is no longer a member of McLaren, he can't represent the team and, therefore, must be a 'witness' rather than 'defendant'. As the FIA appear to have effectively declared Hamilton to be in the clear, he too would presumably attend as a witness.
It seems bizarre that the two individuals accused by the stewards of 'deliberately misleading' them will not need to defend themselves, but will be free to say whatever they like. Ryan in particular could be a loose cannon. He could sink the McLaren ship with his testimony, but he could turn his fire on the stewards, FIA or Mosley. What if he claims that Hamilton was the instigator of the deception?
I have no idea how this will end, but I hope it proves entertaining enough to justify.
It is also interesting to note that Hamilton could issue a public apology, but Dave Ryan never got that luxury. Why? Sure he might not have wanted to do that. At the same time, had he assumed full responsibility for what happened, he'd done a huge favor for McLaren. Sacking Ryan IMO seems yet another case of McLaren shooting themselves in the foot. At that rate, they soon might have nothing to stand upon anymore.
McLaren, champions in collecting penalties. Why so clumsy in their efforts to protect the company image? If trying to present the company as being honest, then being honest always is the best way to go ahead. Yet we've witnessed another attempt to spin the situation in their favor. Mind boggling to me.
