Motor Racing: Schumacher deepens Benetton's gloom: Briatore determined to keep his driver as storm clouds swirl around the championship leaders

THE court cases may be over, and the championship requirements clarified, but Benetton-Ford remain a team under seige, their walls buckling beneath the weight of lingering controversy and conjecture.

Without the suspended Michael Schumacher they never remotely resembled a competitive force in the Italian Grand Prix, and Williams-Renault's Damon Hill capitalised to reduce his deficit in the drivers' standings to 11 points. Another victory in Schumacher's continued absence, at Estoril on Sunday week, would leave them only one point apart with three races remaining.

Potentially more damaging for Benetton, however, is the publicly expressed displeasure of Schumacher, his private demands for a move and his refusal to test this week. He is believed to have had discussions with McLaren- Peugeot over a proposed dollars 20m ( pounds 12.8m) contract for next season.

Schumacher is the most coveted driver in motor racing and McLaren would endeavour to rebuild their empire around him. The possibility of a future alliance with Mercedes could enhance their appeal. McLaren have been close to signing Rubens Barrichello from Jordan-Hart, but that piece of business appears to be on hold. Williams, too, would have to be alerted to the prospect of luring Schumacher from Benetton.

All this, and the anticipated departure of senior personnel, yet Benetton's managing director, Flavio Briatore, has managed to sustain an air of composure and his sense of humour through the unending trauma. 'At least,' he said, 'everybody is talking and writing about Benetton, so our sponsors are very pleased.'

Those sponsors, however, are unlikely to be content should Schumacher be defeated in the championship and leave the team. Briatore says he fears no such scenario and it is understood he has told his No 1 driver that he races for Benetton or no one.

Briatore said: 'All these rumours go around. It is like this is Formula One. I have spoken to Michael on the telephone. He is fine. He has not written to us saying he wants to go. As for the testing, this is simple. He must make an appearance for Ford, which was already arranged.

'We have a contract with Michael for 1995 and that is clear, so he will be with us next year. All this motivates everybody. I don't think Michael will lose the championship. If he wins it, it will be unique in the history of Formula One, somebody winning in 12 races.

'Michael needs to be happy, the way we have been working together for the past three years. He has been shocked by the decisions at his appeals but this is life.'

Schumacher has been eliminated from four races - a quarter of the season - by suspension and disqualification, and blames errors by members of the team for imposing upon him this handicap.

He called for those responsible to pay the consequences and, after Benetton escaped punishment over the case of the removed fuel filter at Hockenheim, it was revealed the team had given an undertaking to make 'substantial management changes' by the end of the year. The paddock here was rife with suggestions that Tom Walkinshaw, the engineering director, and Ross Brawn, the technical director, were among those destined for pastures new.

Briatore denied a deal had been struck with the authorities, but added: 'They could wish to set up a team themselves, and if they want that I can understand. They would have my support.'

Walkinshaw has long contemplated forming his own grand prix team and Brawn is regarded as a trusted as well as gifted ally. They have been linked with Lotus, whose financial affairs are to be governed by administrators appointed yesterday. The High Court gave the team, which faced being wound up with pounds 10m debts, a stay of execution until 24 October.

Peter Collins, Lotus's managing director, is as defiant as Briatore. He has asked Nigel Mansell, the driver he introduced to the Norfolk team and to Formula One, to contribute to the salvation fund. Collins said: 'I believe we can keep our package here next year.'

Part of that package is the driving ability of Johnny Herbert, who has repeatedly asked in vain for a move, and admits his frustration earlier this season almost drove him out of Formula One. The performance of the new Mugen-Honda engine lifted Herbert's spirits, and Collins maintained: 'We have no intention of losing him.'

Williams confirmed yesterday that they will be entering a team in next year's British Touring Car Championship. They intend to run a pair of Renault Lagunas for the next three seasons.