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 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