Ferrari drivers told to tow party line

This week, the company's president Luca di Montezemolo announced measures to ensure
information coming out of Maranello is from a single source.

'The drivers are employees of the company first,' he said.

'They are in the spotlight and they must all know, whether they be [Michael] Schumacher, [Rubens] Barrichello or any other, that to race for Ferrari is a great honour, that they must have Ferrari in their hearts and their behaviour must always reflect the values of Ferrari.'

But, a spokesman for the team denied the move was an attempt to gag drivers.

'We are not stopping the drivers from talking,' he added. 'We just want consistency.'

Ferrari bosses were upset earlier this year when Eddie Irvine revealed details of his driver contract, confirming that he had to move over for team number one Michael Schumacher during races.

Irvine also claimed that Ferrari was 'more relaxed' while Schumacher was recovering from a broken leg during the season.