Slap on the wrist for Irvine

Doctors say Schumacher will be out of the cockpit for around 12 weeks after breaking his right leg and Irvine says he should play a supporting role because he will be out of the title by then.

'As soon as Michael is back we will see what the situation in the championship and we will decide the strategy which we think is best for the team,' said Todt on the eve of the Austrian Grand Prix.

'We will be running the strategy and it will not be down to the drivers,' he added stoney-faced.

'Eddie has done very well since the beginning of the season. Now he is second in the championship.

'Of course he is in the best condition we can put him for the second part of the championship so time will tell how well he can do.

'He has to show us what he can do. He will not have Michael to worry about for the time being so I am just hope he will be able to do the best job possible.'

Todt refused to be drawn on whether Salo has signed the same number two contract Irvine was bound to.

'Mika Salo has just arrived so we should give him some time to get used to the team and the car and see what he does.

'If he is behind Eddie which seems normal in the present situation he will try to do the best job for Ferrari. If he is front of him..... then we will see.'