Drivers warned: No rough stuff

Drivers who get in the way of the title fight between Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in Japan on Sunday could be banned next season.

The stark warning was spelled out at the regular driver briefing in Suzuka today by race director Charlie Whiting as Formula One chiefs bid to ensure the potential championship decider is not spoiled.

The threat does not just apply to Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello and McLaren's David Coulthard in case they attempt any borderline move to aid their respective team-mates Schumacher and Hakkinen.

Backmarkers who take too long reacting to warning flags to move over could also find themselves sitting on the sidelines in 2001.

Drivers who are considered to be holding up the leaders will be shown the rarely used black and white warning flag by marshals.

If they do not react, they will be shown the black flag which means disqualification from the race and the prospect of a ban next year.

Normally, blue warning flags are produced and any driver who does not react by moving over is then given a 10-second stop-go penalty in the pit-lane.

Schumacher leads Hakkinen by eight points going into the penultimate grand prix of the 17-race season and would become Ferrari's first world drivers' champion in 21 years if he wins.

The move has been welcomed by Schumacher's brother, Ralf, who believes that the punishment should be a three-race ban next season.

"It was made very clear that any blocking manoeuvres would not be allowed at this race," said the Williams BMW driver.

"This is totally correct because no-one should disturb the fight between the two leaders. There should be a suspension next season."

The edict will almost certainly be in force should the title battle go down to a final race decider in Malaysia on October 22.