Two weeks after the Grand Prix of Japan, the Formula One circus is still letting off sparks of controversy, focusing around the old rivalry of Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher. Only this time, the other Schumacher is also involved. Jordan's commercial director, Ian Phillips, was quoted earlier this week on Autosport Magazine as saying that Ralf Schumacher was lying when he said, right after the race, that Hill was ordered to move over for Michael Schumacher. "Damon was told that Michael was charging through and it was his decision on what action he should take. He had every right to keep Michael at bay," said Phillips.

Michael Schumacher, who began the race on its third start from the back of the grid - having stalled the engine - caught up with 6th placed Hill within less than seven laps. He was then held up behind Hill for a further 7-8 laps, until Hill pitted. Right after the race, ralf Schumacher said to reporters that Hill had been ordered to move for Michael, but neglected to do so. Hill himself later commented he was never given such orders, but rather was asking the pits what to do, as he was having his own battle with 5th placed Jacques Villeneuve. "[Jordan] told me it was up to me," said the Briton. "In fact, I was surprised to see Michael there so quickly after he started from the back and I was willing to let him by, only I was pushing Jacques and there was a championship position at stake."

Michael Schumacher himself, though, sounded no complaints about Hill not letting him by, but rather said: "I cannot complain about Damon. He is a race driver and he has to do his job. He did not make it easy for me, but he did it very cleverly and he never did anything unfair." Nonetheless, Schumacher did add that "Hill watched his mirrors more than the front of him, and it's not like this is the first time. His 'Schumacher Complex' is becoming more and more evident over the years."