Formula One: Schumacher ready to challenge for the championship
19 January 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Michael Schumacher took to the ski slopes last week while attending Ferraris annual winter press meeting at the Italian ski resort Madonna di Campiglio. Schumacher, who broke his leg last July, said he is nearly fully fit and ready to compete in the 2000 Formula One season.
My leg is not giving me any problems, Schumacher said. It think its healed well. Im practically not limping at all. Its a bit difficult if I have to run fast and play football, but otherwise its OK.
After all the difficulties that I had after my accident, I have to say that Ferrari and I grew closer together because of the way they treated me when I wasnt able to race. Sure, there were one or two hiccups, like the announcement of my return, but really the relationship is very strong between us.
Schumacher hopes that this season will be the year that he becomes the first driver since Jody Scheckter in 1979 to win the Drivers Championship in a Ferrari.
In December I saw the mockup of the 2000 car, and I was very favorably impressed, not only with the car, but the figures produced by the new engine. I would like to win for Ferrari in the first year of the new century.
Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 after winning the World Championship in 1994 and 1995 driving for Benetton.
I just hope the fans have the patience to wait for me to win the World Championship (for Ferrari), Schumacher said. After two seasons at Benetton, I accepted the challenge to drive for Ferrari and to try and win the World Championship for them. I wanted that challenge, and I have had no reason to regret the decision that I took at that time.
Talking of his new teammate, Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher said: Ive seen the results of Rubens testing at Barcelona, and its been very encouraging. Im testing there (Jan. 17-18). Characterwise, I think Rubens is closer in character to me than Eddie (Irvine) was. Hes married, like me, and I think we can work together well and become personal friends.
There will be no team orders, Schumacher said.
Its never written into any contract that a driver is a number-two driver,
Schumacher said. The number two is always the slowest driver.
Eddie Irvine was always number two because he was slower. Im sorry, but I couldnt drive slower so that he could be number one! But it will be the same with Rubens Barrichello. If Rubens is quicker than me, then he will be number one and I will be number two.
I think Ferrari made the right choice employing Rubens. I enjoyed four years with Eddie, but I think employing Rubens is a move forward for us.
Asked if he would ever team up with his brother, Ralf Schumacher, Michael replied: If that happens, it means that one of us has to win and one has to lose, and we wouldnt like that. I think things are best the way they are.
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