THE SIDELINES : Racing Teams Try to Gear Down

Ferrari and McLaren officials met today in an effort ease some of the bitter feeling between the two Formula One auto racing rivals.

A statement issued after the talks said the two manufacturers had a “frank exchange of views” aimed at improving relations so that their rivalry would be only of a technical and sporting nature.

Relations have been tense since last month when Ron Dennis, McLaren’s managing director, suggested that Ferrari once lured technicians from other teams by paying them extra money.

The statement said Dennis told Ferrari Chairman Pietro Fusaro that he never intended to suggest that Ferrari had acted improperly.