Ferrari face heavy criticism

The backlash of criticism against Ferrari after team orders handed Michael Schumacher victory at the Austrian Grand Prix is mounting far beyond the disgust of the fans. Not only have F1 figures condemned the decision of the Maranello team as cynical but the press are out in force.

Sports and national papers in France report Ferrari as being 'covered in shame' and the team orders were a 'monumental gaffe.' One publication described the actions of Ferrari as "shameful, scandalous, depressing and unworthy of all those who love sports." In the UK the headlines echoed the same sentiments with titles such as 'Day F1 Dies of Shame' and 'Shame on Schu', claiming the current champion is not innocent of being a part in a sporting 'fix.'

Italy too were critical of it's beloved Scuderia, reporting that Ferrari had 'thrown it all away' and what should have been a great day had been turned into a 'nasty day of shame'. In Brazil, the homeland of Rubens Barrichello, former world champion Emerson Fittipaldi said he would never have let Schumacher past: "It's a disgrace," he said. "An absurdity."

Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso released an official communiqué on Sunday saying: "Today Brazilians are unanimous. Rubens Barichello is the winner of the Austrian Gran Prix. The trophy is his."

Hans Geist, the promoter of the Austrian Grand Prix wants Ferrari penalized after receiving so many complaints, saying he would pass them all on to the FIA: "We have had hundreds of phone calls and emails complaining. The event was super, but the result was an absolute disgrace and people will not want to buy tickets anymore," he said.