Backmarker row rumbles on

Their comments come in the wake of David Coulthard's criticism of unhelpful backmarkers in Imola, which he believes cost him victory.

Schumacher said the FIA needs to implement the blue flag rules properly and hand out heavier fines or drivers will continue to ignore the regulations.

Coulthard insists the current punishment of a stop-go penalty is not enough, saying, 'Things were okay a couple of years ago but right from testing before the start of the season there have been some drivers who have been awkward on the track.'

'There should be a personal fine to drivers, either in points or in their own back pocket. It's the only way a driver responds. If it's a team issue they just don't care.'

Dennis said the FIA needed to get tough with law breakers. 'I was frustrated during the race but even more frustrated after it. For a driver not to be at least given a warning or a fine is inappropriate. Those two drivers (Panis and Fisichella) influenced the outcome of the Grand Prix - that cannot be right.

'They are the drivers who need severe penalties from the governing body - and there are a few of them out there.'

Rubens Barrichello called for better training of marshals, 'Things weren't treated very well in Imola because I got 62 blue flags when Michael came up on me - it was amazing - and none when I was trying to lap others.'

'There used to be a rule that if they pass three blue flags they get a stop-go penalty but it does not seem to exist anymore.'