Briatore doesn't want driver squabbles

The duo have had a string of clashes in the last year, most notably at Spa, and a year ago at Indianapolis where they are preparing for Sunday's United States Grand Prix.

Briatore again confirmed the young British driver will see out the second year of his contract at the Enstone-based team, discrediting reports that he is trying to sell him off to Jordan, Jaguar or Sauber.

"Basically you have accidents in racing," said Briatore. "They have had accidents, but it is nothing personal between the pair - and this is the team we have for next year. I hope by the time they are in the same team they have less accidents - with one another at least."

The Jordan-bound Giancarlo Fisichella finished fourth fastest during Friday's first free practice session before beaching his B201 in the gravel early on in the second hour. Briatore is keeping his fingers crossed the improving form of the team at the last race in Monza continues for the final two rounds of the world championship.

"In the last two races we have been getting better," he added. "The car is much better and the engine is improving and we are quite happy. It was our goal from the start to be increasingly competitive as the season went on.

"Our goal was to be competitive at the end of the season - to prepare ourselves for 2002 and it looks like the situation is much better. I hope in this race and Japan we are even stronger."