Brawn Heavily Attacks Irvine and Coulthard

Ferrari's technical director Ross Brawn launched an unprecedented attack on his former driver, Eddie Irvine, after the Irishman had suggested that Michael Schumacher should resign from his position as the head of the GPDA, where he is in charge of representing the drivers on safety matters, due to what Irvine referred to as arrogant and dangerous driving.

"In the four years I worked with Eddie, he never once lifted a finger to improve safety," Brawn said. "When Eddie was jet-skiing and poncing around nightclubs, Michael spent many hours and days of his own time working with the FIA and at the circuits to improve safety for all the drivers. Eddie complained at the drivers' briefings but that was all the effort he was prepared to make. What Eddie has said is not fair and it is not respectful."

Brawn also added that Irvine has a hidden agenda in criticising Schumacher, claiming the Jaguar driver is trying to get back at Schumacher after the latter had out-performed regularly when the two were teammates at Ferrari. "I guess he had a difficult time for four years and has decided it is time to start paying him back," Brawn said.

Brawn also commented on McLaren's David Coulthard similar criticism of Schumacher, suggesting the Scot had his own reasons for wanting to get back at Schumacher. "David has an agenda," Brawn said. "He is resentful of Michael's comments earlier this year that he considered Mika Hakkinen the real threat even though David was ahead of Mika in the Championship. From what we have seen in the last couple of races, perhaps Michael is right."

Brawn further added that, "David recently said he was delighted to see Michael struggling, which is not very nice of him; Michael would never say that."