Williams Warn of Row over Ferrari Tyres

Formula One's sporting body, the FIA, have sparked controversy after it emerged at Interlagos on Friday that they are set to allow Ferrari two allocations of tyres for Michael Schumacher at Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

The wheels used on the new F2002 car, which Schumacher plans to race, do not fit on the old model he is using as a spare and it is thought that Ferrari have requested an allocation of four sets of tyres for each car.

However, Williams technical director Patrick Head believes this is not in line with the FIA regulations and, if the Italian team have done as is rumoured, he is sure to present a protest.

"We are still not quite clear what the situation is," Head said. "But if (what we hear) is correct then it is completely against article 80C of the sporting code that says that the driver, not the car, is allocated four sets of tyres.

"I understand they have got a problem that the wheels of one car do not fit the wheels of the other car, so I can see why they would want to do it. But, in our understanding, it doesn't comply with article 80C, so we will certainly be having some discussions."

Head was cautious of his reaction as he was not sure of the full details of Ferrari's situation, and suggested the report could be a "wind-up story."

If, however, Williams can convince the FIA not to give Ferrari the extra allocation, it could present Schumacher with a big problem in the event of a failure on the F2002 car on Sunday prior to the race.