By Lorenzo Gotti
May 14 2002

Three-times world champion Jackie Stewart has backed the Ferrari team in the aftermath of one of the most controversial race results in recent years. Stewart says that Ferraris decision to switch Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher on the last lap of the Austrian Grand Prix is perfectly legal.

More News >> Ferrari Pictures >> Ferrari Shop >> Meet The Team

The Scot has called on Formula One chiefs not to hand Ferrari a punishment following Michael Schumacher's contrived victory in Austria. The FIA, have called Ferrari, Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello to a hearing to explain events during and after the Austrian Grand Prix.

"The likelihood of the Ferrari team being disciplined in terms of being banned from a race would be very unlikely.”

"It's a commercial decision of enormous magnitude. The attendance of the British Grand Prix would be severely affected by the fact Ferrari are not allowed to race. That is against the promoter, who has nothing to do with what happened in Austria."

Stewart did however, admit that he was surprised by the move: "I was very, very disappointed and I think shocked by it because I really did believe Rubens was going to win the race, and justly so. I just thought it was a complete anti-climax to what was actually an exciting grand prix."

Voice Your Opinion >> Ferrari FAQ >> Mailing List >> Contact Us