McLaren were fined �50m for their role in the F1 spying scandal

Czech motorsport chief Radovan Novak has apologised for insinuating McLaren boss Ron Dennis was linked to the expose of FIA president Max Mosley.

A newspaper said world motorsport chief Mosley took part in a "Nazi-style orgy" but he denies any Nazi connotations.

Novak suggested the sting could have been connected to the Formula One spy case, with McLaren being fined �50m for possessing Ferrari documents in 2007.

Dennis denied any link and Novak has apologised for a "misunderstanding".

"Mr Novak has asked us to make it clear that he does not believe that McLaren or Mr Dennis were involved in the events referred to and that the remarks are not representative of his views," said a joint statement.

"McLaren is pleased to be able to confirm that it has been contacted by Mr Radovan Novak to explain the background that led to certain remarks related to McLaren and Mr Ron Dennis being made in an interview that he gave to Radio Impuls in the Czech Republic.

"Mr Novak has apologised for the misunderstanding and McLaren and Mr Dennis have thanked him for this gracious and swift reaction."

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Motorsport's governing body the FIA not only fined McLaren over last season's spy row but also stripped them of their constructors' points.

Mosley faces an extraordinary hearing in front of the organisation's general assembly in Paris on 3 June during which a vote of confidence will be taken.

The News of the World has a video of Mosley with prostitutes and the 68-year-old has apologised for any embarrassment caused by the incident.

However, he is seeking unlimited damages from the newspaper because he denied his actions had any Nazi connotations. The case will be heard in July. The newspaper stands by its story.