US, Oct 01: Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt has waved away suggestions of team orders dictating the finish at the United States Grand Prix.
Michael Schumacher eased off in the final corner at Indianapolis to allow Barrichello alongside him, but the Brazilian was timed as the winner by 0.01 seconds.
The result is the closest finish in Formula One history.
Todt said, "It was not team orders, there was no need for team orders.
"Seriously, the only thing that was said was that after the second pit-stop they should not fight any more and there was no more fighting after the second pit.
"Michael could have won, but he wanted to have Rubens very close to him which we were very happy about, because you know we love Michael and we love Rubens.
"It was not planned. It just happened like that. I was told it was seven centimetres. For us it isn't something that matters. What does matter is to have two Ferraris first and second."
Schumacher said immediately after the race that he was trying to engineer a dead heat between the two Ferraris.
McLaren boss Ron Dennis hinted that he disapproved of Schumacher's decision.
Dennis said, "We've got different values at McLaren.
"How people choose to run their own racing team is their business except when it interferes with the sport itself."

The previous closest finish in F1 history was 0.05 seconds between Elio de Angelis and Keke Rosberg in the 1982 Austrian Grand Prix.

Bureau Report