Schuey gives Barrichello his full backing

After the race, it was clear Barrichello was less than happy at being forced by Ferrari to let Schumacher pass, saying in the post-race press conference: "I have very little to say unfortunately. I have to go down and talk to the team to clarify things."

But Schumacher, currently testing for the Prancing Horse at Fiorano, moved to calm the storm caused by Ferrari's use of team orders so early on in the season by praising his team mate's efforts. Barrichello's position in the team for the future had been under scrutiny after showing his obvious dislike at being told to move over, and this is believed to have angered some team personnel.

"He is a great team mate and very quick," said the world champion. "It was necessary for what happened [in Austria] to be cleared up with the team, but not with me. After all, you have to look at everything and not just the last race. Rubens is doing a great job."

Schumacher did defend his team's decision to order Barrichello to give up his second place, however, saying: "Some see it one way, others another. It was our philosophy which led to this decision, while McLaren operates in a different way. We do what we think is best, not what suits others."

Following last Sunday's race, it was revealed Ferrari team boss Jean Todt had asked Barrichello to let Schumacher past at least two laps before the end of the race in order to allow the German to challenge race leader David Coulthard for victory. But Schumacher, in keeping with his conciliatory tone, said that it would have been unlikely for him to win even if Barrichello had let him by earlier.

"Could I have overtaken Coulthard if Rubens had let me by? For sure I was a little bit quicker, but in order to overtake him [Coulthard], I would have had to be much quicker than him," said Schumacher. "All in all, I reckon that unless Coulthard had made a mistake, I would not have got past."