Scheckter Calls for a Clean Fight

South African Jody Scheckter, Ferrari's last World Championship winner in 1979, has called for a clean fight in the last two races of the 2000 season.

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher has an eight-point advantage over McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen, so the German could clinch the title at this week's Japanese Grand Prix if he extends his lead by two points.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror newspaper, Scheckter asked Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello and McLaren's David Coulthard to allow a clean fight between their teammates and title contenders in the two remaining rounds.

"Let's have a straight fight for the title," Scheckter said. "I hate to see teammates get involved in a situation like this.

"The trouble is it's so easy for one car to hold up another. Hopefully we won't see it in the two races left. Let's have Schumacher and Hakkinen out in front going for it."

Schumacher had accused Coulthard of blocking him deliberately during the United States Grand Prix while they were fighting for the lead, in an ongoing off-the-track battle which has extended throughout most of the season.

Scheckter, who won the driver's crown 21 years ago for Ferrari, also admitted he thinks Schumacher will finally end the Italian's team drought this season.

"I think Michael deserves it. There are two races left and he's only got to win one, so I think it's his title.

"I reckon I'm losing my crown," Scheckter added. "It's been fun having this 'Ferrari's last champion' tag all these years but they've worked hard to win it this year."