Schumacher plays down blocking claims

Michael Schumacher today rejected accusations he aided close friend Sebastian Vettel and deliberately impeded Lewis Hamilton in Spain on Sunday.

Vettel and Hamilton were embroiled in an intriguing battle for the victory at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, a duel the reigning world champion won by just 0.6secs.

McLaren star Hamilton, however, has since claimed he was blocked by seven-times world champion Schumacher in his Mercedes shortly after he had allowed by Vettel in his Red Bull.

"I won't speak to him about it - I don't want to waste my time or my breath," said Hamilton this week.

Schumacher, whose often dubious tactics over the years have led to numerous disqualifications and penalties, is adamant he did nothing wrong on this occasion.

"I don't recall this, and I think it wouldn't make sense," said Schumacher.

"Although, yes, Seb is my friend, Lewis is running with a Mercedes engine and that's a lot more important to me.

"Not that I try to favour, or not favour anybody. That certainly must have been a misunderstanding.

"It's not my idea. I try to get out out of the way for anybody. I just do my own thing."