Schumacher and Barrichello stand by their actions

No remorse, no change of strategy. That was the clear message from the Ferrari camp here yesterday, even if the drivers tried a few twists and turns around the subject.

Michael Schumacher can again expect help, if needed, from his team-mate Rubens Barrichello in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, despite the fact that they and their bosses have been called to an FIA hearing to answer questions about the shenanigans in the previous race at Zeltweg.

Schumacher would not speculate on how the governing body might respond on 26 June to events on the track and the podium in Austria, suggesting: "It will be a surprise to all of is.'' However, he did reiterate Ferrari's belief that they were entitled to impose team orders if it served their quest for success.

The German, who heads the championship by 27 points, said: "Everybody understands what we are doing and our philosophy. I'm part of it and in favour of it because of the tough experience we had in 1997, '98 and '99.

"I was surprised at the reaction in Austria. I didn't like it and I struggled to cope with it. But we try to work for our fans and try to secure our success. At the end of the day it is the team who make decisions, not me. But it was clear I would give the winner's trophy to Rubens.

"I don't think there will be boos from the fans tomorrow and I certainly don't need extra determination here. Look at my history. Why should I need to win the right way? It's all a bit exaggerated. I hope I am quicker than Rubens. Traditionally I have been here.''

Schumacher was adamant the Austrian affair had done nothing to dent his commitment to Formula 1. "How do you say in English?'' he asked, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going.''

Barrichello maintains he has nothing to answer for at next month's hearing. He said: "We will go and answer the questions, but I don't have much to say anyway.'' Barrichello was equally reluctant to say much ahead of Sunday's race. He offered: "We'll talk much more about this race before it, but we have a full weekend ahead of us.''

The Brazilian, 30 today, preferred to give an insight into his powers of positive thinking, although he is currently shackled by contractual terms that clearly set out his obligations as No 2 to Schumacher. "I had to follow orders in Austria," he said, "but what matters is in my mind. You can forget yourself when you are with Michael. It's easy to be down when you are his No 2.

"But tomorrow I shall wake up believing I can beat Michael. I'm here to race and win. I've had too many years with bad cars. Now I'm going to use it."

Jacques Villeneuve has rarely missed an opportunity to take a swipe at Schumacher and he duly weighed in yesterday. But the Canadian was exercised by the champion's actions on the podium rather than on the circuit.

Villeneuve, who survived Schumacher's desperate lunge to win the 1997 title, said: "People shouldn't be surprised at what Ferrari did. Schumacher would be stupid not to take everything given him, but then he should stick with it. Don't fake embarrassment and hurt.

"You raised your hand at the end, so even if you are embarrassed be a man, step to the top of the podium and take the trophy.'' Informed of Villeneuve's cutting remarks, Schumacher refused to comment.