Michael Schumacher’s comeback - like much of his career - was shrouded in controversy on Monday, when Ferrari’s request to win him favourable treatment was rejected by three rival teams.
With in-season testing banned, Ferrari had asked for an exemption before Schumacher drives their car at the European Grand Prix on August 23.
They required the unanimous backing of the grid before going to the FIA for final approval, which was likely to be forthcoming. But Williams, Red Bull and sister team Toro Rosso have blackballed the plan. Daily Mail
Under current regulations in-season testing is banned, but Schumacher hasn’t raced since his retirement in 2006, so Ferrari were hoping the seven-time world champion, who is standing in for Felipe Massa after the Brazilian’s horrific crash in Hungary, would be allowed to practise.
“While we welcome Michael Schumacher back to Formula One, the fact is any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited, a regulation clearly laid out by the FIA and adhered to by all of the teams,” said Williams in a statement. AFP
Williams pointed out the obvious flaw in the proposal: no other new driver has been allowed to break the ban on testing, so why should Schumacher? When Jaime Alguersuari took over from Sébastien Bourdais for Toro Rosso at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Spaniard went straight out on to an unfamiliar track in a car that he had only driven in a straight line.
“In a similar situation, Williams would unhesitatingly use its current test driver,” Williams said. “For the sake of consistency and fairness, therefore, we oppose Ferrari’s proposal to test ahead of the European Grand Prix.” Times Online
Red Bull’s team principle Christian Horner said on Monday the 40-year-old Schumacher should not be treated any differently to Spanish teenager Jaime Alguersuari who made his F1 debut for Toro Rosso in Hungary last month despite previously only having driven the car in a straight line speed test.
“Jamie Alguersuari had never sat in a Formula One car before his first race last weekend in Hungry. I am sure that Michael Schumacher who is a seven times world champion and has won 91 races won’t have a problem getting up to speed,” he said.
“Also Michael has driven a two-year-old Ferrari last week in Mugello so I have no doubt that he will be on the pace quickly.”
So far Williams and Red Bull have received little support from the other teams, with McLaren confirming on Monday they would go along with whatever FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) decides. Telegraph.co.uk
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