Archrivals back Ferrari on principle

MONZA, Italy - Williams supported Ferrari at a hearing this week because the former champion opposes the current ban on 'team orders' in Formula One, principal Frank Williams said on Friday.

The Italian team was fined $100,000 by German Grand Prix stewards in July for ordering Brazilian Felipe Massa to let teammate Fernando Alonso past to win the race in a Ferrari one-two at Hockenheim.

An International Automobile Federation (FIA) hearing in Paris on Wednesday decided not to impose a further sporting penalty, thanks in part to letters of support from Williams and Sauber.