By role
April 15 2003

In a recent interview for the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera Michael Schumacher has given his impressions on several Formula 1 drivers. Asked about Raikkonen, Michael Schumacher stated: “Is a very good driver. He has great potential. But I still do not know if he will be a rival for me or if it will be Coulthard or maybe Williams BMW that in the last test at Barcelona has improved quite a lot”.

What about his teammate Ruben Barrichello? Michael had good words for him: “It does not surprise me that he is doing a good job. He is fast since the day he arrived. He has improved and he continues to work quite well for the team”.

He is surprised by the strong form of Coulthard: “I am surprised. He is front of Raikkonen more than I expected him to be”. Schumacher does not believe Montoya is progressing as it should: “A little bit disappointing. He has not improved as I thought he would. He promised more”.

He is not as harsh with his brother Ralf: “He has had a hard start of the season. But I think is due to the car not being as they wished and this excuse is also good for Montoya”.

What about Renault drivers Alonso and Trulli? Michale is full of praise for both:: “Alonso has not surprised me. I was sure that he was going to be as strong. Is a great driver and a very nice person!”. Michael says of Trulli: “He is fast, competitive, but he has had little fortune”.

Fisichella is also another driver that Michael Schumacher rates very high: “He is quite good. I rate him highly as a driver though sometimes he lacks consistency in some occasions”.

Villneuve “talks a lot”. Schumacher thinks he should “drive more and talk less”.

Questioned which driver has surprised him this start of the season, Schumacher is clear: “Webber. He has been consistant. I think he is undervalued”.