Mosley dismisses drugs issue

Max Mosley, the president of FIA, motor sport's governing body, dismissed Formula One's introduction to drug-taking controversy as "a bit of a storm in a teacup", writes Derick Allsop.

Two drivers, the Brazilian, Rubens Barrichello, and the Italian, Max Papis, admit they expect to be tested positive after giving urine samples following Friday's first qualifying session for yesterday's Grand Prix of Europe. (They and the Frenchman, Olivier Panis, were selected by ballot).

Both explained they had colds and were taking medication which contained banned substances. The results of analyses should be available within 10 days, but Mosley hinted it was unlikely the matter would be referred to FIA's world council to consider possible penalties because they were not performance-enhancing drugs.

Mosley said: "We work from the Olympic list but if drivers had, for example, taken a cold remedy and the doctor was satisfied they had a cold, he might not even report it."

n Formula One teams have agreed to limit qualifying to one day, instead of two, next season. Friday's practice will be unofficial. The change has been made to ensure a level playing field and commit all the drivers to an all-out effort for grid positions in the one session.