We told them to hold station, says Todt

On the eve of Ferrari's much-anticipated hearing with the sport's governing body, the FIA, in Paris this week, the Italian marque's sporting director Jean Todt has admitted that Michael Schumacher was told to stay behind race winner Rubens Barrichello in the closing stages of Sunday's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring

He has denied, however, that this was because of the impending hearing over the controversial finish of the Austrian Grand Prix, where Barrichello was instructed to move over and allow Schumacher to win in the final few yards of the race.

"We allowed our drivers to race one another up to the second pitstop and then we told them to hold station," said Todt. "This race showed that Ferrari is a great team; united and determined to secure the best result possible, adopting the strategy best suited to this objective.

"The team tactic was to let Rubens win. It was important for Rubens to get the points for the championship as well. We have picked up 16 very important points towards the constructors' championship and the drivers', in which Michael has extended his lead, and Rubens is now back with the leading group," he added.

Todt denied his strategy was designed to appease the FIA ahead of Wednesday's meeting.

"No," he said when asked. "We did not have Wednesday in mind. I will only be able to comment after the FIA meets."