Two-time world champion Michael Schumacher has defended his actions in Sunday's European Grand Prix at Jerez in Spain that saw Jacques Villeneuve claim the Formula One crown for the first time.

Schumacher was at the centre of international criticism following the race, after he attempted to drive Villeneuve off the track when the Canadian overtook on the inside during the 48th lap.

The Ferrari driver, who has even been criticised by the passionately pro-Ferrari Italian press, has now been ordered by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to appear before an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on November 11th after which sanctions could be imposed on the driver.

Schumacher now claims Villeneuve would have crashed into the gravel pit if the collision that knocked the German out of the race did not happen.

"Jacques cut in and didn't try to brake at all," said Schumacher. "Certainly, I closed the door. It was clearly about winning it all or nothing and there was nothing more to lose.

"Without me, Jacques would have more or less driven into the gravel pit. That's why I don't quite understand the situation now."

Schumacher was roundly condemned by press in Italy and his native Germany yesterday with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zietung accusing him of "Wild West manners".

"`Schumi' what madness," said Italy's Gazzetta Dello Sport and went on, in a front page editorial to say that it was a relief that Villeneuve had been able to continue and thus deprive Ferrari of the title Italy has been waiting for since Jody Scheckter last won for the Maranello team in 1979.

Even La Stampa, the newspaper owned by the Agnelli family, which owns automotive giants FIAT, of which Ferarri is a subsidiary, condemned Schumacher saying: "(Schumacher's) reputation as a champion was shattered like a glass hit by a stone."

Meanwhile, Damon Hill, victim of the collision in Adelaide that controversially decided the title three years ago, summed up the widespread mood of the paddock by saying Schumacher had shown his true colours in Jerez.

And Villeneuve concurred with that view, saying: "Yesterday was the proof of what happened three years ago - it was the proof that Damon was taken off."

Villeneuve could afford to play down the immediate accusation that Schumacher tried to shunt him off as the sweet taste of his championship triumph started sinking in.

Yet the Canadian admitted: "He tried to take me off but didn't do it well enough as he only broke his car.

"If you're capable of living with that weight on your shoulders then good for you, but that's not how I would play it myself."

The 26-year-old revealed Schumacher had spoken to him after the clash but claimed the day's events were not discussed. "We met after the race and he congratulated me, and we met later at the party. We talked about everything but the race," Villeneuve said. "I will discuss it later in the year and say exactly what I think as usual."

Schumacher though, is confident that record will not last for another 12 months.

"Next year I want to challenge for the championship from the start of the season rather than the middle," said Schumacher. "I am sure we will be able to do that and win the championship earlier than the final race of the season."