Lauda says ban Barrichello

Barrichello hit Schumacher Jr on the second lap of Sunday's race - the incident is the second time the pair have come to blows in as many races. The Ferrari number two was out on the spot, while Schumacher dropped to last place after his rear wing was replaced.

Triple world champion Lauda thinks Barrichello, who also forced Juan Pablo Montoya onto the grass at the first corner of the Australian GP, deserves a suspension as a warning shot across the Brazilian's bows.

"Such accidents can be bad luck," said Lauda, "but when such things happen so regularly, Barrichello should be told, 'you are suspended for two races, think it over'."

Schumacher was suitably aggrieved at having been punted out of the race after grabbing a front row grid slot behind brother Michael, and agreed with Lauda by saying he hoped the stewards would take action. Barrichello, meanwhile, considered himself both unlucky and blameless and in fact put Ralf at fault for unexpectedly changing his line.

"I knew something was going on," he said, "and I could suddenly see a car coming my way. It was a complete surprise. You've got to ask how can you be allowed to change your line so many times? It's something that we discussed at the drivers' meeting."

In the event, both drivers were issued a warning from the Sao Paulo stewards and will have to have keep their noses clean during the coming races if they are to escape a more severe punishment.