Todt defends Schuey's tactics

Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt has dismissed accusations that Michael Schumacher was to blame for the first-lap clash with Juan Pablo Montoya at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which broke the front wing of the Williams and ruined the Colombian's race

Montoya has spoken out against the world champion, saying that Schumacher cut across his line as they approached Turn 4. He has promised to give as good as he gets in the future.

But Todt claimed that his driver did nothing wrong. "It has always been like that," said the Frenchman. "I think Michael has been remarkable. He's not getting into any games. He's a fighter, he defended his position in a very nice, very talented way. I think it has always been like that."

Schumacher went on to take his second victory of the season, beating his brother and Montoya's Williams team-mate Ralf Schumacher. Montoya recovered to finish fifth.

The Michelin-shod Williams cars were expected to hold the upper hand at Interlagos, which made the new Ferrari F2002's victory all the sweeter for Todt. "It was very difficult to win, particuarly given what we'd seen of our rivals' performance," he said. "There package seemed more consistent than ours. And it didn't work out like that. In the end it worked out in our favour.

"I thought we were going to be competitive but I thought the others would be very competitive. I thought that they were the favourites. But having said that, I knew we had an opportunity and that has been shown.

"When you know the others are strong, it's a good surprise."

For Montoya's verdict on the Brazilian GP, read his exclusive column in this week's AUTOSPORT magazine.