Ferrari have avoided further punishment from the World Motor Sport Council following a hearing into their use of prohibited team orders at the German Grand Prix.

The Council upheld the 100,000 US dollars fine imposed by stewards after the race at Hockenheim on July 25 when Felipe Massa allowed by team-mate Fernando Alonso to take the lead and eventually the victory.

The WMSC, clearly believing the fine was sufficient punishment in itself, have also decided to refer the regulation that prohibits team orders to the Formula One Sporting Working Group for review.

The decision keeps Alonso firmly in the title hunt ahead of the final six grands prix of the season, starting with Ferrari's home race in Italy on Sunday. The Spaniard trails championship leader Lewis Hamilton by 41 points.

A statement from the FIA read: "On 25 July 2010, at the Grand Prix of Germany, the stewards of the meeting found an infringement by the Scuderia Ferrari to the prohibition of team orders interfering with a race result and then decided to impose a fine of 100,000 US dollars and to forward the dossier to the World Motor Sport Council for further consideration.

"The judging body of the World Motor Sport Council held an extraordinary hearing in Paris on 8 September 2010 to examine this matter.

"After an in-depth analysis of all reports, statements and documents submitted, the judging body has decided to confirm the stewards' decision of a 100,000 US dollars fine for infringing article 39.1 of the Sporting Regulations and to impose the payment of the costs incurred by the FIA.

"The judging body has also acknowledged that article 39.1 of the Sporting Regulations should be reviewed and has decided to refer this question to the Formula One Sporting Working Group."

The WMSC's decision has naturally delighted Ferrari whose statement in response read: "Ferrari has taken note of the decision of the FIA World Council, relating to the outcome of this year's German Grand Prix and wishes to express its appreciation of the Council's proposal to review article 39.1 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, in light of what emerged during today's discussions.

"Now, all the team's efforts will be focused on the next event on track, when."