Surely, Jean Todt must have found it very difficult to keep a straight face when he told The Times Edward Gorman that Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa will be treated as equals next season.

"Felipe is going to drive for Ferrari, Kimi is going to drive for Ferrari," said the Frenchman, "there never has been a No 1 or No 2."

Leaving behind a comment that will have message boards buzzing for weeks, if not months, and no doubt cause ripples of amusement in the pitlane at Jerez this morning, Todt insists that despite the speculation that Raikkonen is his own man and will not fit in at Maranello in the way his predecessor did, the Finn will be good for Ferrari.

"I have a very good feeling with Kimi," he said. "I am sure that Kimi will have a very good enjoyment here, where he will be able to deliver. My responsibility, our responsibility, will be to allow Kimi to work as best he can and to protect him.

"I don't like to talk too much," he added. "I think the facts are more important. People who work at Ferrari have stayed for ten years, so I really hope that Kimi will stay for the next ten years at Ferrari."

Meanwhile, surrounded by the countless trophies that mark Schumacher's eleven-year career with the team, Todt is adamant that the German, who is to assume the role of 'super assistant' to the Frenchman, still has an important future with the Maranello outfit.

"Michael is a strong asset in the racing business," he said. "We don't need Michael to speak to the press, we need him to speak to the team and he will be of fantastic value. His judgment, his capacity of analysing will be very important. For the team, they all trust Michael."