Ferrari furore over Michael's move on Barrichello

Barrichello was upset that the world champion had muscled his way past when the Brazilian lost momentum trying to get past Heinz-Harald Frentzen's Jordan-Honda.

Having tangled with Frentzen in Australia two weeks ago and with Ralf Schumacher just after the start this weekend, Barrichello came close to getting in the bad books of a third German in two weeks - but the Maranello team mates just managed to avoid hitting each other.

"That's something that was a bit sad, to be honest with you," said Barrichello. "I told Ross [Brawn] on the radio that I would take very much care because there were still some bits on the track that were really, really wet.

"But I came too close to the car in front, a Jordan, and I lost momentum and he took his chance. At that time I would say a team mate would just stay composed and would wait for some chances in front. At the end of the day I would have had to stop once more anyway so I don't think I would have won the race."

Schumacher defended his manoeuvre as they battled back into the race after sliding off in unison when torrential rain started on the third lap.

"I got more speed into Turn 9 and I thought there was no reason not to go for it," said Schumacher. "At the end of the day we're team mates, we respect each other, we leave each other room not to hurt each other, but I was on a better run and I was faster as well.

"I don't think it would have caused an accident. We were in equal situations so you fight for the position - I don't think that's unreasonable."

Barrichello cost Frentzen a top-three slot in Melbourne and put Ralf Schumacher into a spin at the first corner in Sepang, keeping the Williams driver off the podium.