Webber questions Schu role

[davewilson]

Mark Webber has questioned why Ferrari is still inviting Michael Schumacher to attend test sessions this year – believing that his presence could have a negative impact on new recruit Kimi Raikkonen.


The seven-time world champion retired from racing at the end of last season, to be replaced by the Finn, but still attended Ferrari’s 2007 car launch and was in the garage during the first test of the F2007 at Fiorano.


And although Schumacher's official new role with the Italian squad has yet to be spelled out, Ferrari CEO Jean Todt said recently that the German would continue helping both the team and its drivers in an advisory capacity where necessary.


However RBR star Webber reckons this set-up is only likely to put more pressure on Raikkonen as he tries to successfully replace Formula 1’s most successful ever driver.


“It’s odd having him [Schumacher] at the tests, I think – really odd,” he said.


“It’s like having your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend there. Kimi must go ‘what the f***?’


“It must feel so strange to have the teacher’s pet standing above you while you are trying to get on with your own new programme.


“Suffocation or what?”


The Australian also reckons that Schumacher's departure will give more drivers the chance of scoring victories in 2007.


“Clearly Michael averaged a lot of wins every year, so that’s gone," he said.


“Wins are going to be spread out across a few more people and I think we will see many different people on the podium.”

The Stig

[Ian]

But will they deserve to be there, if you've got to rely on someone retiring to win, your obviously not good enough anyway, so, you are the weakest link, goodbye.

[davewilson]

That will upset romephius:...... when he shows up.
Webber is the king to him,so watch out... What Webber says has got to be correct.

There are enough pages to hide in.......Just don't tell dare:


I know from past experience with the ring out of the jiffy bag crack:

The Stig

[Dare]

  only ones to really be helped by Michaels leaving
  are the ones who usually finished toward the top
  anyway.

   If McClaren's car turns out to be a dud and Kimi
   can't adjust to Ferrari[which I think he will]Massa
   probably is the one to watch.Fisichella may get
   a few wins.

   To my eyes BMW may be a sleeper
   Honda's probably a loser again
   Think you can count Toyota out
   




   

[davewilson]

Great post dare:
I have taken onboard all the comments,and i feel this year is the Year of Massa!
I will stick my neck out and say he will dominate the forthcoming season.I do not do things like this usually before a season starts..........If you have any cash get it on NOW...

He is constant for the whole season!


The stig

[Ian]

Already on, Alonso's gonna struggle

[davewilson]

Wise man Ian.....
The Stig

[cosworth151]

I agree about Massa. I think Kimi's lifestyle will ruffle more than a few feathers at Ferrari. I don't think McLearen's problems are over, especialy the engines. BMW will do alright, but if there is a surprise this season, I think it may just be DC over at Red Bull.

[Dare]

  Webber talks about Schumi being around so
  much,I believe he's being groomed for the
  team manager job.

   What better way to keep Michael's ferr.
   fans,plus gain Kimi's

[romephius]

Stig I see ALL, but sometimes I choose to hold my tounge.  I personally think Mark should concentrate on his driving and not what Michael (god of driving) Schumacher is doing.....

My call is Massa, Kimi (of course) and maybe a mclaren (I hope so), but my call for dissappointment for the year will be button and barrichello, webber and couthard.

Hard to admit, but it's honest

[Wizzo]

This could also be Fisichella's year, with all the changes at Ferrari they might not hit the ground running. Its musical chairs for the other top drivers and Fisi has the experience on all levels, team, car and maturity.

Fisi must know in his heart that there might not be another chance like this, can he keep it together though?

Out of the two I would still put my money on Massa.

[davewilson]

Good call on Fisichella Wizard,I think we all tend to overlook him....He just gets on with the job, and is capable of a few surprises i am sure..

The Stig

[davewilson]

Latest betting as of today Thursday 15th March 2007,

http://www.paddypower.com/bet?action=go_type&category=SPORTS&disp_cat_id=&ev_class_id=8&ev_type_id=7467&ev_oc_grp_ids=40289&bir_index=

 K Raikkonen  7 - 4   R Barichello  28 - 1   D Coulthard  100 - 1   
F Alonso  2 - 1   R Kubica  33 - 1   A Wurz  100 - 1   
F Massa  4 - 1   R Schumacher  50 - 1   C Albers  500 - 1   
J Button  12 - 1   J Trulli  50 - 1   T Sato  500 - 1   
H Kouvalainen  14 - 1   M Webber  66 - 1   A Sutil  500 - 1   
L Hamilton  20 - 1   N Heidfeld  66 - 1   A Davidson  500 - 1   
G Fisichella  20 - 1   N Rosberg  100 - 1     


The Stig

[Ian]

Think Alonso's is on strength of 2 titles, money's still on Felipe, but at 12/1 if the Honda performs Jensen could be worthy of a bet

[davewilson]

Ian,good call.Wizard pointed out Felipe,and he is a dark horse.
Sir,Stirling Moss said somewhere it is 95% car and 5% driver these days,and he would not like to be racing now.

So it is easy pick the best car,and the best driver,put them in the best car and you are on to a winner.
This betting thing is so easy................Why do we never win?

The Stig