By Jonathan Legard BBC motor racing correspondent

The president wanted what the president didn't get.

The world council argued against the FIA's top official Max Mosley's preference to penalise Ferrari for their tactics, and then asked the world for help over the internet.

In other words, the law is an ass when it comes to team orders in Formula One.

Ferrari still cheating F1

In a statement, the FIA said: "The world motorsports council deplored the manner in which team orders were given at the Austrian Grand Prix.

"But it found it impossible to sanction the drivers because it recognised the longstanding traditional right of a team to decree the finishing order of its drivers.

"In the circumstances, the council decided with some reluctance that it could take no action."

Competitive concerns

No crime, no punishment - other than a �300,000 for breaching podium protocol - and more farce. Why is anyone surprised?

"Formula One is a team sport," said F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone again after the verdict in Paris.

Ecclestone: Not happy with Ferrari in Austria

The writing was one the wall in 1998 when McLaren's two drivers, David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen, traded places in the season's opener in Australia.

Pre-race agreement, mid-race cock-up, post-race nonsense - where was the championship interest in round one?

The FIA issued a guidance note citing competitive concerns in the championship context.

Next, the Austrian Grand Prix in 2001 when Ferrari demanded Rubens Barrichello should surrender second place to Michael Schumacher "for the sake of their championship challenge".

It's round six of a 17-race calendar, and Schumacher comes away with a lead of only four points over David Coulthard.

Contrived

Ferrari's competitive and championship instincts were sharp and well-considered - harsh on Barrichello, maybe, but fair in the wider picture.

But Austria 2002?

Schumacher arrived at the A1-Ring 21 points clear in the title race, and departed 27 points in front.

Close, competitive, common sense? I think not.

Fast forward now to the European Grand Prix last Sunday, and more Ferrari team orders - without the world protesting - and Schumacher leads the championship by 46 points.

Game over, give or take a race or two.

Ferrari took the mickey - or should that be the Michael - out of the sport and its paying public in Austria because the rules allowed them to, so how can you blame them?

Hard luck

Because, whether F1 is a team sport or not, it's about competition and is not supposed to be a cynical, contrived puppet show.

If Michael Schumacher breaks a leg, or his car keeps breaking down, that is the hard luck side of sport.

Ask Steven Gerrard how he felt about missing the World Cup because of injury in the last match of the season.

Common sense should dictate team orders, and where there's a need there is understanding.

But when one team is so dominant, there is no need.

The best deterrent would be a meaningful challenge from McLaren, Williams or Renault: in short, competition.

But if the FIA wants help, please give generously - you have until the end of September to e-mail your ideas.