FIA stands firm on team orders

All three of world championship protagonists - Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, McLaren-Mercedes' Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya of Williams-BMW - have team-mates who can no longer win the title, and could be called upon to assist their team leader. A high-level FIA source told AUTOSPORT that the FIA will not soften its stance on team orders.

"The rule has not changed," said the FIA source. "If there is an obvious team order imposed, and drivers change position on the track, then it is likely to be reported to the race stewards."

In this week's AUTOSPORT...

McLaren chief Ron Dennis says how McLaren will continue to "work as a team" to aid Raikkonen.

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn admits it is "a difficult area" to deal with, but says everyone has agreed to it.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore fears that a team orders controversy could seriously damage F1.