Ferrari boss plays down drivers’ rift

FERRARI’S attempt to return to winning ways in the European Grand Prix will not be derailed by a rift between Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, according to team boss Jean Todt.

The team-mates have been at loggerheads since the Monaco Grand Prix, when Schumacher angered Barrichello by overtaking on the last lap.

Barrichello was upset that Schumacher risked an accident just to claim an extra point and despite the world champion’s attempts at peacemaking, the row boiled over again at the Nurburgring.

Barrichello, who has caused controversy in the past by pulling over to allow his team-mate through after orders from Todt, warned Schumacher to expect no favours in the future.

However, team chief Todt will try to restore unity by calling the pair together today to discuss their differences.

The Frenchman said: “I will try to calm things down and make sure they speak together.

“It was Rubens’ birthday on Monday, Michael phoned him and they were happy to talk. There is no controversy in the team but there is competition.

“They have the same ambitions, same car, same support. Who is your first opponent? Your team-mate. We try for it to be nice as much as we can between them up to a certain limit. It’s something we have to pay some attention to.

“What matters is the interests of the team and the company. At the end of the day we have managed quite well over the years.”

The dispute with team leader Schumacher has put Barrichello’s future at Ferrari in question, with the Italian media claiming he will be axed as a result of his outburst.

But Barrichello has angrily hit back at those claims, insisting he will see out his contract until the end of next season.

“That is absolute rubbish,” he said. “That is the Italian press saying too many things, that will probably be it. I have no problems with Ferrari because I had a problem with Michael in one corner. That is definitely not the view.”

Todt hopes the row will work in Ferrari’s favour by firing up both drivers to improve on lacklustre seasons so far.

The world champions have only 21 points on the board after six races and Todt is keen not to stifle their aggression, even if that makes life behind the scenes more tense.

“They will be very motivated which is a good thing,” he said.

“I can understand Rubens’ feeling, he was disappointed. I can understand Michael trying to pass a car that was in front of him. I don’t think one should have done or shouldn’t have done anything.

“It’s part of racing. The only thing that is important is that they do not compromise the work of all the team by hitting each other and that did not happen.”

Ferrari’s difficulties on track continued in practice at the Nurburgring yesterday with an electrical problem hindering Schumacher.

The world champion had been second in first practice but Ferrari were left trailing when the pace increased in the afternoon, leaving Schumacher 13th and Barrichello seventh.

Barrichello is still hopeful of a change in fortunes this weekend, when Ferrari hope to be battling for their first win of the season.

McLaren continued their impressive form with Alex Wurz topping both sessions as the Woking-based team look for a third consecutive victory following Kimi Raikkonen’s triumphs in Spain and Monaco.