Brawn: We Would do it Again

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has admitted that Ferrari will employ similar tactics to help retain their World Championships - despite widespread condemnation of the decision to force Rubens Barrichello to hand victory to Michael Schumacher in Austria.

Brazilian Barrichello led throughout the 71-lap race but slowed on the final straight to allow teammate Schumacher to win and end his search for an elusive victory at the A1-Ring. The move prompted booing from the Austrian crowd as well as severe criticism from leading names in the paddock.

But Brawn insisted that Ferrari will use similar tactics again in Monaco in two weeks.

"Of course yes," Brawn said when asked if similar tactics would be employed again. "Until the Championship is mathematically sorted either way then that decision can be repeated.

"We don't have a preference but that decision kept our position in the Constructors' Championship exactly the same and strengthened it in the drivers. It wasn't as though we gave away points in one Championship as opposed to the other. It seemed entirely logical."

Brawn admitted that the decision had been made before the race and added that Barrichello was aware of the situation.

"It was made all weekend," Brawn said of the decision. "Rubens knows the situation he has just signed a new contract. He is aware of the situation. If he starts 2003 and is 44 points ahead against six points after six races he will get to take the wins in the same fashion. Rubens knows because of the circumstances. Even before the weekend it was a given.

"I speak to the race drivers during the race and I spoke to Rubens and explained the situation. He was very professional about it."