EXTRA.(Briefs)(McLaren-Mercedes boss Ron Dennis interviewed in connection to the information leakage scam)(Formula One teams testing "slick" tires again, at the Circuit de Catalunya)(Eddie Gossage awarding the race car drivers on helmet throwing)

NOT OVER

Italian authorities interviewed McLaren-Mercedes boss Ron Dennis and four other team figures as part of the ongoing spy-scandal investigation begun after former Ferrari employee Nigel Stepney allegedly delivered confidential information to McLaren.

Working with their British counterparts, Italian police spoke to the five men, visited their homes and took records of e-mails. The procedure became complicated when an Italian statement subsequently appeared to suggest that important new evidence had been found, prompting a defensive response from McLaren.

Meanwhile, it appears that Dennis might step down from his role as team principal. He already has delegated much of the management responsibility to his protege, Martin Whitmarsh.

OUT OF THE GROOVE

Formula One teams will test "slick" tires again, at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, Spain, in April, and it is possible that such rubber will replace today's grooved tires next year. Teams tested slicks previously in December at the Jerez circuit, also in Spain. Teams last raced on slicks in 1997. The switch is far from guaranteed, however. FIA president Max Mosley said that if aerodynamic reductions intended to slow cars in 2009 are not successful, grooved tires will remain in use.

PURE GENIUS