Ferrari to run with black noses - 3rd April 12:06am GMT

Italian Formula One world champions Ferrari will mourn the passing of Pope John Paul II by putting special markings on their car in the Bahrain Grand Prix here on Sunday.

The team had an audience with the Pope before the start of this season which was attended by both drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, team boss Jean Todt and president Luca di Montezemolo.

And as a mark of respect both of the scarlet Ferrari cars will carry a symbol of mourning on their nose cones when they compete in Sunday afternoon's race in the Middle East.

World champion Michael Schumacher will start from the front row after qualifying second behind championship leader Fernando Alonso while Rubens Barrichello will start from the back after changing an engine.

German driver Schumacher, who has been with Ferrari since 1996 and feels a special connection with Italy because of his long service, admitted the feeling within the team is one of sadness.

"The atmosphere in the team is very strange to all of us and obviously Germans, Italians, they feel very connected to the Pope, as many other countries do," said Schumacher.

"You can't really explain the words in terms of emotions and feelings that are going on around the team, particularly as we had the visit with the Pope earlier this year and, yes, it is very sad for us."

It is understood that, for the first time in many years, the race will not be shown live in motorsport-mad Italy with all television channels focusing on mourning the passing of the pope.