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While in
Shanghai Ralf Schumacher was interviewed on various subjects. Here are his
responses:
1. Shanghai circuit
It's hard to tell, of course, from the layout. But Herman Tilke has built a
lot of circuits and they're all very good. This one seems to have even
greater potential. Long straights and drawn-out corners that are also very
fast, where you can overtake. I think it'll be a very interesting circuit.
If you look at the layout, the design, you almost get the feeling that money
was no object. I also think it will set new standards.
It will certainly be a challenge. There are some corners that won't be easy
for the drivers or the cars. They all kind of push you to the limit and if,
as now in qualifying, you try to push things to the limit, you can quickly
find yourself over-steering or skidding and losing quite a lot of time.
Let's see what it's like.
2. Verdict on the season
Basically, the way we started, we had no right at all to expect that we
would get into a position to challenge for the championship, constructors'
or drivers'. Then, in the middle of the year, there was an incredible
upturn. We had some good races, free of mistakes. But in the last few races,
we rather blew it - both team and driver - with a couple of wrong decisions.
But it's all part of the learning process. The same thing happened at
Ferrari and it took a couple of years, but you learn from it and it'll make
us better next year.
3. Mistakes
But then two races came along: at Silverstone a barge board broke off - I
couldn't do anything about it. At Hockenheim, as I've said before, I don't
think anyone intentionally caused the accident. The problem was simply that
I didn't know Kimi was there, and I also didn't know that you needed room
for three cars. Of course, it was frustrating, but that's the way it goes.
As ever, you've got to learn from it. And next year will soon be here.
4. Where mistakes were made
For me, it was quite simply the start: at Hockenheim, and then again in
Austria, an important part of the car broke off, at Silverstone too.
Mistakes like that simply shouldn't happen in Grand Prix racing. You need
consistency to win, if you pick up points consistently, you'll do OK.
Ferrari has proved it. And I've got to admit, things like driver error on my
part at Indianapolis - even though we were no longer chasing the drivers'
title, it cost us the constructors' title in the end - they're things that
shouldn't happen.
5. Team-mate finishes ahead of Ralf
That didn't bother me. After all, I've still got a lot of years in me. Maybe
it was his year ... I don't begrudge him it ... he earned his position.
Personally, I haven't got a problem with it.
6. Looking forward
Next year, I'd really like us to have a good go at both: the drivers' and
the constructors' title. Of course, we'll have to wait and see how things
go, but the FW25 has given us a solid foundation. I can't let on too much,
but the FW26 is even a bit better than the 25. So you can take it from that
that we're going to have a good season.
7. Prospects for 2004
Yes, there'll be a few aerodynamic changes, but that's quite normal. Next
year the new engine regulations will help us a great deal, as we've got a
very powerful and durable engine, and Michelin is a very important part of
the team that will undoubtedly help to push us towards the front.
8. Michael Schumacher & his success
Yeah, he worked hard for it and I don't begrudge it him. But no-one's god in
motor racing. You could see that at the start and in the middle of the year.
If the victories aren't there, everything's quickly forgotten. For me, it's
not about being world champion 8 or 10 times - once would be good! No, I
don't begrudge my brother his success. I've got no problem with it at all.
10. Michael Schumacher & winning
Sure, it's very important for him. His aim is always to be the best, and a
season like the one he had this year is certainly not up to scratch. Of
course, he won it in the end, but not in his usual style. Clearly though,
he's happy if he wins in the end. |
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