Its home from home for Schumacher in Spa

“I clearly remember that the reason I won was partly due to my team-mate Martin Brundle,” recalled the five times world champion. “I had made a mistake at Stavelot and he passed me. I saw his tyres were in bad shape so I decided to pit for new ones. Then, on new tyres, I was able to build up a lead and win. It was one of my best days. It was the start of something, but at the time I had no idea where it would end. As for Spa, it is fair to say my relationship with this track is a love story. Along with Suzuka it is the best in the world. In fact, I call it my “living room!”

That win was a long time ago when Schumacher was only 23 years old. Now when he looks at the grid he will see many young drivers lining up just as he was all those years ago. And with recent news that Sauber and Toyota are making driver changes and employing older drivers Michael was asked if this is a new trend in the sport.

“First of all I don’t think these two guys are so old,” laughed Michael. “They won’t race for ever, but maybe for the next two or three years. They have the experience. But Massa (who has lost his Sauber drive to Frentzen) might come back anyway and there are many other young drivers on the grid. Usually however, if a team can chose between two quick drivers, one young and one old, they will take the younger.”

Rubens Barrichello faced the team orders questions and the media saw fit to put the same questions to Michael. Schumacher admits it is frustrating to see your team mate ahead when you feel you are quicker but risking a move on Rubens was not on the agenda, and Michael remembers the support Barrichello has given him in the past. But he is determined not to be on the wrong end of a Ferrari 1-2 this weekend!

“Of course it is frustrating to be behind, when you think you are quicker,” admitted the German, in reference to the Hungarian GP where he followed Barrichello home. “But tell me where I could have passed him on that track. There was no chance to overtake. Anyway, he supported me in Zeltweg and I am happy to help him in return. The same could happen here, but I hope not as I would like to win. We must wait and see what happens.”

Michael was surprised if not shocked to be reminded that although his record here is great he has never started a Belgian GP from pole position, this will have to be changed this weekend reckons Michael. “Wow! Is that the case?” was his surprised reply. “I did not know that. Let’s try and get it this year then.”

Ferrari’s domination of the sport this season has seen a few feathers ruffled in the media and within our rivals teams. But Michael is not one to predict how long it will last. He knows its easy to fall from the top but knows the team around him is trying to ensure they wont catch Ferrari in the near future.