Controversial finish remains a possibility

McLaren managing director Ron Dennis yesterday refused to rule out a repeat of last year's controversial one-two finish, in which David Coulthard handed victory to team-mate Mika Hakkinen, despite the furore that followed the result.

Speaking at a McLaren press conference, Dennis said it was up to the drivers to race but there are times when the team has to take precedence over a driver's individual performance. Coulthard's actions at last year's Melbourne race sparked a storm of controversy after it was admitted the two drivers had agreed that, after the start, whoever led going into the first corner would be given first place at the chequered flag should the two be contesting the lead.

Hakkinen was first to the first corner but despite Coulthard going on to dominate the race, the Scot yielded the lead to Hakkinen as the two McLarens were about to cross the finish line. FIA, the sport's governing body, subsequently introduced a rule change banning manufactured finishes, but McLaren appear to be paying little heed to the edict.

"There isn't a Grand Prix that doesn't take place under team orders and that will continue to be the case," Dennis added. McLaren are once again favourites to dominate this year's championship despite suffering a spate of technical difficulties with the new MP14 car. At its launch, late last month, Coulthard piloted a McLaren from the pits only for it to breakdown before even completing a lap. As difficulties mounted, there were rumours that the team were considering running the 1998 car in this weekend's opening race. However, it now appears that the problems have been ironed out and both drivers will start in the new car.

The bullish McLaren boss also took time out yesterday to aim a sideswipe at Ferrari number two Eddie Irvine, claiming he couldn't comprehend how the Ulster-man was content to remain as understudy to Michael Schumacher at the Italian team. "It is difficult to understand," he said. "It would be alright if it were a football team but not if you're in a Formula One team."

The sentiments were later echoed by Jordan's new recruit Heinz Harald Frentzen who said: "Irvine is always there to protect Michael's back, he's like his bodyguard."

Irvine and Ferrari, meanwhile, were keeping quiet. Ferrari were the last team to arrive at the Albert Park circuit, despite Michael Schumacher's arrival on Monday, and the shutters at the team garage were yesterday hung at half mast as mechanics began the painstaking work of assembling the cars in as much secrecy as possible in the crowded pit lane.

Irvine's role in the Ferrari camp has been the subject of some debate in the past and pit lane speculation had him lobbying heavily for Damon Hill's seat in the Jordan last year. However, he appears content to continue with the role of riding shotgun to his team-mate and signed a contact which reputedly contains a stipulation that he must finish behind Schumacher if the German is still running.

Meawhile Williams' new drivers were both trying to talk up the team's chances in Australia despite the team's mediocre showing in pre-season testing. Alex Zanardi, returning to Formula One after back-to-back championship wins in the US Indy Car series said: "I'm quite confident. I believe that due to the work we've been doing over the winter, I can go home with a smile on my face. I guess once I've done the first lap of the circuit I'll get even more confident -or less!"

Team-mate Ralf Schumacher, who in his two starts at the Melbourne circuit has retired, first, in 1997 with technical failure and then, last year, after a collision with Stewart's Jan Magnussen, added: "This is the first chance to see how well we have operated during the winter in comparison to the other teams. This year, I hope to have more than the last two."

Schumacher will find out if that winter work has paid off when the teams embark on the first timed free practice sessions of the season early tomorrow morning.