Sep.7 (GMM) F1's governing body has confirmed that it threatened McLaren's three most senior drivers with "serious consequences" if they did not cooperate with the investigation surrounding the espionage affair.

Following widespread speculation and media reportage on the scene of the Italian grand prix at Monza, and the leaked emergence on Friday of a letter from Max Mosley to the teams, the FIA has decided to release a second letter addressed to Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and test driver Pedro de la Rosa.

A statement on Friday said the Paris based body decided to publish the letter "in the interests of complete transparency".

The letter dated 31 August is similar to Mosley's leaked letter to the teams, in which is was revealed that the FIA had been "made aware of an allegation" that one or more McLaren drivers may be in possession of written evidence relating to Mike Coughlan's possible use of the 780-page Ferrari dossier.

Mosley's letter to the three drivers "formally requests" that they give up any relevant documents, such as emails.

"You will appreciate that there is a duty on all competitors and Super Licence holders to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of the formula one world championship," Mosley told Alonso, Hamilton and de la Rosa.

The letter also confirmed rumours that the FIA promised the trio that they would not be punished if they cooperated.

Mosley wrote: "However, in the event that it later comes to light that you have withheld any potentially relevant information, serious consequences could follow".