Eavesdropping Fans Divide Ferrari Drivers

A move allowing Formula One fans to listen in to radio conversations between teams and drivers was given short shrift by World Champion Michael Schumacher today.

The German rejected the example of the US CART series, whose fans have long been able to hear teams and drivers talking.

"It is not America and not ChampCar racing," he said at the launch of the team's new F2003-GA car. "Nobody wants to be listened to."

The sport's governing body, the FIA, has said team radio systems can be allowed this season only if they are open and accessible to the FIA and broadcasters. The FIA is also exploring the possibility of allowing the public at the circuit to hear the conversations in future after backtracking on a move to ban pit-to-car radio.

Schumacher said a total ban on radio communications - originally ordered to ensure banned telemetry systems - could not be used and would have been too much: "We are not in the 18th century anymore."

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher's teammate, said the move could spice up some races but feared he would have to watch his language.

"(Banning) would have been going too far but if it is going to be broadcast on television then I won't be able to say my bad Portuguese words," said Barrichello.

"For those in the grandstands though it is probably a good idea. It is something more for them if on the track there is a race like in Hungary where it is impossible to overtake. It will be more fun for the public."