Taken from Autosport.....Stepney lawyer rules out sabotage claims
The Italian lawyer representing Nigel Stepney has ruled out suspicions of sabotage in the action Ferrari have taken against his client.
Stepney is being investigated by Italian legal authorities after Ferrari lodged an official complaint about his behaviour. No details have been forthcoming on exactly what he is alleged to have done.
Rumours over the last 48 hours have hinted at a possible sabotage attempt on Ferrari's cars prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, although this has not been confirmed by the team.
But Stepney's lawyer Luca Brezigher told Gazzetta dello Sport that he was unaware of what the legal enquiry was looking into.
"I can only say with certainty that Stepney is formally investigated, but the charge against him at the moment is rather unspecified," he said.
"From what I've learned, many types of offences can be identified, such as aggravated damage or sporting fraud, but I'd rule out sabotage.
"On the matter of Stepney being unreachable, it must not be considered as an attempt to flee. I'm convinced he is on vacation and in the dark about this story.
"I don't find it credible that a professional of his calibre could damage his own team."
Stepney has been uncontactable and is believed to be away on holiday at the moment.
Brezigher, who confirmed that Stepney's apartment in Serramazzoni had been searched, said that he expected the investigation to last at least one year before any formal charges were considered.