Schuey backs new driver penalties

According to AUTOSPORT'S sister publication, Motorsport News, Schumacher says he is in favour of the move, which would see any drivers deemed guilty of causing an accident this weekend being penalised 10 places on the grid at the following race, Imola.

"I don't think this is anything to do with the accidents we've seen this year," said Schumacher. "It's just a more sensible way of trying to penalise someone doesn't behave, instead of banning them for the whole race."

Despite this opinion, Schumacher says he will not change his driving tactics to avoid being penalised at a later date.

"You always try to comply with the rules," he added. "So for me, at least, I don't see any reason why I should change anything in my approach."

The penalty will be imposed if it is judged that a driver caused an "avoidable accident". Juan Pablo Montoya's clash with Schumacher at the first corner in Malaysia could be such a scenario - although the Colombian's punishment of a drive-through penalty has been judged harsh by most observers, and even by Schumacher himself.