MARCH 22, 2005

The point is made

Suggestions which were being bandied around in Malaysia that the teams opposed to Ferrari were not united in their condemnation of Ferrari's testing philosophy at the moment were shown to be nothing but propaganda on Sunday afternoon in Sepang when eight teams distributed their post-race press releases and attached to each not only copies of a letter to Fiat boss Luca di Montezemolo but also copies of the press release issued on Friday, signed by the eight team principals: Nick Fry (BAR), Colin Kolles (Jordan), Ron Dennis (McLaren), Paul Stoddart (Minardi), Flavio Briatore (Renault), Christian Horner (Red Bull), John Howett (Toyota) and Frank Williams.

The move was designed as a slap in the face for those who have been peddling the idea that the Friday press release was not fully supported by the teams.

Sauber did not include the documents nor sign the letters but it is fairly clear that the Swiss team would like to have done but feels constrained because of its engine supply relationship with Ferrari.

Thus it is fair to say that, despite the best efforts of those who wish to break up the Gang of Nine, it is still intact. Not all agree on everything but it is clear that they all agree that Ferrari should have more respect for the sport.

So perhaps should others who have been actively sewing seeds to suggest that all is not well between the Gang of Nine.