Don’t be hasty on speed cuts, say Ferrari duo

Despite Formula 1 cars running with less downforce this season, the tyre war between Bridgestone and newcomer Michelin has produced higher-grip tyres which reduced lap times in Melbourne by almost four seconds.

FIA President Max Mosley says he will consider measures to slow the cars after the Brazilian Grand Prix in a fortnight's time if the lap times continue to tumble.

But both Schumacher and Barrichello claim the improvement was exaggerated and the difference will be dramatically reduced around the high-grip Sepang circuit.

"The step was very huge in Australia, but this weekend we will see something different," Schumacher said. "The difference here will be much smaller because the cars were more developed at the end of last season than they were at the beginning of last year in Melbourne."

Barrichello agreed, adding that F1 authorities should look at other areas for improving safety rather than adding an extra groove to the tyres.

"Melbourne was probably an exception," the Brazilian said. "Probably here we'll only be a couple of seconds quicker.

"I would like to see another cut of aerodynamic downforce and for slicks to be brought back. If they really want to do something, they should cut a little bit of the power."

Schumacher maintains the cars are no faster or more dangerous at high speed than last year.

"The high speed of the car I don't think is really different," the German said. "The speeds we're doing now doesn't introduce more danger. The extra grip we have now makes the car much better to drive.

"The cars are actually slower than last year," he added, "but due to the competition between Bridgestone and Michelin, lap times are quicker."