Bernie Ecclestone has slammed as a “complete joke” Ferrari’s efforts to question the outcome of the 2012 world championship.
The controversy erupted when video footage emerged – and was circulated widely by “Fernando Alonso’s management” according to Sport Bild – of Sebastian Vettel purportedly overtaking illegally under yellow flag conditions at Interlagos. Ferrari confirmed that it asked the governing body for “clarification”, and spokesman Luca Colajanni insists the Maranello team has “until tomorrow (Friday) to file an appeal”.
It is a separate incident to the 2012 world champion’s pass on Kamui Kobayashi at Interlagos, which turned out to have actually taken place under yellow and orange caution flags. 
As the ‘team orders hearing’ broke in Paris on Wednesday evening, it emerged that Ferrari has escaped further penalty. 
The launch of the 2010 Mercedes GP team concluded on Monday without mention of Nick Heidfeld as reserve driver. Reports at the weekend suggested the 32-year-old German had been signed to the role, but team boss Ross Brawn said a final decision is yet to be taken. 
Even among those representing Mercedes-Benz, Michael Schumacher’s return to formula one is not universally popular. 
Adrian Sutil is not sure it is the right thing for Michael Schumacher to launch a full-time return to formula one. It is now strongly rumoured that the seven time world champion, who turns 41 early next month, will race next year with Mercedes’ newly-rebranded works team. 