Interesting times in Formula 1

I have always been a Michael Schumacher fan. I am a ‘wagonist’ and for that I make no apology. I started watching Formula 1 when Michael Schumacher was already at Ferrari. Ferrari wasn’t winning yet, but I knew enough about Michael Schumacher then, to know that, it was only a matter of time before he would take Ferrari by their screaming V12 ( at that time) and bring the world renowned name to the top of the Formula 1 leader board. Schumacher is a very shrewd driver and competitor. He sees racing not solely through the eyes of a driver, but also through the eyes of the team. He knew that success on the track could not be done without everyone being on the same page. Success for one could only be guaranteed if all of the members on the team were working from the same race book. A lot of drivers on the grid still do not understand this.

Peculiar Behavior

Michael Schumacher was known for what was considered by some, rather peculiar behavior – someone who apart from spending 7 hours a day completing his exercise routine, spent an exorbitant amount of time on the shop floor with the mechanics, technicians and other persons directly involved with his car. His relationship with the team was evident whenever he won and he was on the podium. There was genuine happiness all around and his victory was celebrated and enjoyed by everyone in the team. Michael Schumacher surrounded himself with the best and as such success was only a race away. When you think of persons like Jean Todt and present Brawn boss, Ross Brawn, who were the brain trust at Ferrari when Schumacher ruled the world, then you may begin to understand how his (Schumacher’s) mind works.

Schumacher’s Return

Michael Schumacher will return to Formula 1 at the European Grand Prix in August. I have read where persons are expressing concern about his fitness, his neck injury, how his return may affect his career and if he can quickly adjust to the differences between the present car and the car he was accustomed to. Michael Schumacher retired in 2006, but remained involved with Ferrari. Do you honestly think that the challenge driven Michael Schumacher would cease his training regiment because he was no longer preparing for a championship? Reports have surfaced confirming that, despite Formula 1’s testing ban, Michael Schumacher is busy lapping Ferrari’s test track in the 2007 car, completing 70 plus laps in preparation for his return. I jumped on the Michael Schumacher bandwagon years ago and if what I know is accurate I will tell you this, if the current Ferrari is even close to being competitive, Schumacher will do what only Michael Schumacher can do, drag the rest of the team behind him, all the way to the podium. Ross Brawn during a Grand Prix, came on the radio and told Schumacher that a gap of 25 seconds on the field was necessary to secure his position in the lead (he had a pit stop coming up).Schumacher heard the request, kept his right foot in it, delivered and won the race. If you doubt what Schumacher can do now, talk to Ross Brawn – he may be more than a bit concerned!

Relief

I wrote this last week. I learnt a day ago that, Michael Schumacher and Ferrari have stunned the world yet again, with another statement. We will not be seeing him at the European Grand Prix. Apparently the injuries he received in February (‘09) sustained during a motorcycle accident, posed problems due his testing sessions, to the extent that his return has been called off. I was actually looking forward to his return but, I am almost certain that several of the teams on the grid are collectively breathing several sighs of relief!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-line Writer.