Feb.16 (GMM) The questioning of McLaren officials by Italian prosecutors will no longer take place as scheduled on Monday.

It was earlier reported that, as the criminal investigation in Italy relating to the espionage saga goes on, Modena magistrate Guiseppe Tibis had summoned Ron Dennis, Martin Whitmarsh and two other senior members of the Mercedes-powered team.

But Tibis' secretary told the British news agency Reuters: "They are not coming", adding that a new date for the questioning has not been set.

Meanwhile, as alleged Ferrari spy Nigel Stepney prepares to face the FIA's legal department, it is claimed that co-conspirator Mike Coughlan may already have been punished by the governing body.

The British newspaper The Guardian cites 'sources' in reporting that "a sanction has been imposed on McLaren's chief designer (Coughlan)".

Coughlan was suspended by the Woking team last summer.