F1 rivals must play fair, says Ferrari's Brawn

SUZUKA, Japan, Oct 6 (Reuters) Ferrari have called for fair play to ensure that Michael Schumacher's Formula One title showdown with Renault's Fernando Alonso is not tarnished by underhand tactics.

''I think what we mustn't have is, let's say, the number two drivers blocking or intentionally slowing one of the championship contenders,'' technical director Ross Brawn told reporters at the Japanese Grand Prix today.

''I think that would be a bit unfortunate and unacceptable,'' the Briton added.

''I think it's something which we know that we were involved in a few years ago, and it was considered normal practice then. It's been deemed to be unacceptable now so we understand that.

''So I think there's a certain level which is logical and fair and another level which has to be avoided because it's not correct,'' Brawn said.

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher leads Alonso in the championship on race wins, with both drivers level on points and two grands prix remaining. Champions Renault are a point ahead of Ferrari.

Schumacher, who is retiring at the end of the season, can take the title at Suzuka on Sunday if he wins and reigning champion Alonso fails to score a point.

BLOCKING TACTICS The German won the last race in China but some observers questioned Renault's tactics when Alonso and team mate Giancarlo Fisichella were running one-two in the early stages with the Ferrari driver behind them.

Fisichella repeatedly moved out of Alonso's slipstream on the straights, running two abreast and effectively blocking the cars behind.

Ferrari team boss Jean Todt hinted that Ferrari could do likewise when asked about the manoeuvre after the race in China, saying: ''We have learned what we can do.'' Formula One's governing body banned so-called 'team orders' after the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix, where Ferrari caused a furore by telling leader Rubens Barrichello to let team mate Schumacher past to win the race.

Brawn said that although direct orders which influenced the outcome of the race were not allowed, there were other ways of achieving the same effect.

''If you radio your driver and say please look after the engine, please look after the tyres, we want you to make sure you finish this race, everyone can interpret that as a coded message that you've got to back off,'' he said.

He added that there was also nothing anyone could do about drivers who acted of their own volition, pointing out that Ferrari's Felipe Massa would not want to win and prevent Schumacher taking the title.

''I don't think he'd want to do it. That's a fact, and the same with Giancarlo,'' Brawn said.

REUTERS AB PM1607