Ferrari's wings rile F1 rivals

SEPANG, Malaysia, Mar 19 (Reuters) The bodywork of Michael Schumacher's Ferrari had rival Formula One teams hot under the collar at the Malaysian Grand Prix today.

Eight of the 11 teams signed a letter to stewards before the race at Sepang warning they would protest against the German's car 'unless suitable actions are taken ahead of the race'.

In the event there was no protest and the results were declared official. Seven times champion Schumacher finished sixth behind Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa.

''(Technical director) Ross (Brawn) has been talking to the FIA (governing body) and they are happy about the legality of the car,'' Ferrari boss Jean Todt told reporters.

''If there is something they want us to do we will do it. If it (the car) was outside the rules, I don't think we'd be talking about this result.'' The eight teams, all except Ferrari and the two owned by Red Bull whose main team uses Ferrari engines, said the upper forward element of Schumacher's front wing was in breach of the rules.

While the Ferrari front wing was questioned in Malaysia, doubts had been raised about the rear wing at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix a week earlier.

''The FIA will clarify the situation before we get to Melbourne,'' the Autosport website quoted Honda team boss Nick Fry as saying today. ''That's what we need.

''It would be unfortunate if Ferrari's interpretation is said to be right because all the other teams will have to do similar things.'' Reuters DH BS2025