Ferrari have maintained their theory that David Coulthard was to blame for the accident that forced Michael Schumacher to crash out of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

A communique yesterday from Ferrari HQ said they now considered the incident "closed" and called for a return to a climate of normal sporting relations.

Schumacher looked certain of victory and of taking over the lead in the world championship when he ran into the back of Coulthard's McLaren in driving rain and poor visibility.

The former world champion accused Coulthard of deliberately causing the crash and he tried to confront the Scot in the pits only to be restrained by McLaren officials.

In yesterday's statement Ferrari spelt out its version of the incident.

The Italian team claimed that for almost all of the 25th lap Coulthard had ignored warning flags and despite several chances had not allowed Schumacher to overtake.

It went on: "On several occasions Michael Schumacher pulled out to show Coulthard he was behind him, before maintaining a correct distance between the two cars.

"Coulthard slowed down suddenly in the straight in an unexpected manner. Given reduced visibility the collision was inevitable despite Schumacher's efforts to avoid it.

"Ferrari will not be making any further statement on what happened and considers the incident closed. We now hope for a return to a climate of total sporting spirit."

Ferrari concluded by calling on supporters to get behind the team for the next instalment of the Grand Prix circus at Monza on Sunday week.

Ferrari's statement falls a long way short of the call on Monday for a Schumacher apology from Mercedes sports division chief Norbert Haug. He said angry Ferrari fans had already thrown cans of beer at Coulthard in Belgium.

"A Schumacher apology would calm things down. The situation could degenerate at Monza and we must avoid that," he warned.

In response, McLaren issued its own statement saying it "regretted" Ferrari's stance questioning "the honesty of our team and our driver."

"It is clear," insisted McLaren, "that the collision was accidental and the result of the driving of the two drivers in terrible conditions.

"At no time before the accident did Coulthard brake or let up on the accelerator. He drove in a way that allowed Schumacher to overtake him. Race officials concluded it was a racing accident.

"McLaren don't want to get involved in a public discussion with Ferrari, but invite Ferrari to speak about this in private."