Sep.10 (GMM) Sir Frank Williams says he fears that the escalating espionage saga could scare off some of F1's financial investors.

The campaign of intrigue and scandal will reach its apex with another meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on Thursday.

But Grove based Williams, enjoying an improved showing as an independent team in 2007 compared with last year, expressed concern that the saga is not the right message for sponsors.

"This may cost formula one some business," he told reporters at Monza.

"I just have a bit of concern that if it goes on much longer, it will deter sponsors who are currently present in F1, or who are close to coming in."

Ferrari boss Jean Todt, meanwhile, is apologetic for the Maranello based team's role in pushing the so-called 'Stepney-gate' saga against McLaren, but said it is important that the sport tackles a situation involving alleged industrial espionage and fraud.

"I mean, it's a taint on the sport," he said.

"I think we are sorry that it is happening but we want the truth to appear. Our duty is to provide as much evidence as possible for the World Council to understand exactly what has happened."