FIA president Jean Todt accused the seven teams angered by their investigation into Ferrari's suspect engine of making 'false, injurious and defamatory' allegations, as the Melbourne paddock creaked under the threat of coronavirus.

While representatives of the 'Gang of Seven' indicated they are not ruling out legal action against the FIA, the sport's governing body hit back.

All this came against the anxious backdrop of three Formula One personnel going into self-isolation ahead of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.

Jean Todt hit back at comments made by the 'Gang of Seven' about the Ferrari engine scandal

The tension comes amid the backdrop of coronavirus fears at the Australian Grand Prix

One employee from McLaren and two from Haas were taken for swab tests after displaying fever symptoms.

The three men have been locked away in their hotels while they await the results, expected on Thursday. The race is scheduled to go ahead.

Meanwhile, all the non-Ferrari teams are calling for the Scuderia to waive confidentiality over their settlement with the FIA after their investigation into the alleged fuel-flow breach that apparently gave Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc a speed advantage last season.

If that is not forthcoming, the Gang of Seven are, according to one source, 'considering a concerted legal action to fight for transparency'.

Seven teams complained about the FIA's handling of the suspect Ferrari engine investigation

Todt, who oversaw Ferrari's renaissance at the turn of the century, wrote to the teams defending the impartiality of his regulating body.

In it, he said: 'Building on a totally inaccurate and biased fact pattern, not only do you challenge the decision of the FIA, you openly question the integrity of the Federation and its representatives, suggesting a fraudulent collusion between the FIA and Scuderia Ferrari.

'Your attitude goes well beyond a legitimate request for further clarification, which would have been welcomed by the FIA. It is a source of damage to the FIA F1 World Championship by itself.

'The FIA strongly rejects and denies your allegations. Teams thoughtlessly brought extremely serious charges against the FIA and key officials, notably the president, which are injurious and defamatory.'