When the going gets tough the tough going
Getting tough
By Lorenzo Gotti
May 22 2002
Michael Schumacher’s first job on arriving in the Monaco paddock on Wednesday was to meet the world’s media in the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro media bus, parked on the harbour front. Austria was the main topic as to be expected.
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Inevitably, Austria a fortnight ago was the first item on the agenda and the reigning world champion admitted that the reaction of the crowd and the press in Zeltweg after the race had hurt him. “Initially, I did not know how to handle the situation,” he said. “When you get out of the car and see the reaction of the fans and come into the press room and experience that atmosphere, it was clearly a surprise. I have never faced anything like this and I think the best word to describe how I felt is helpless. But I was also surprised, because it was very clear what our strategy would be.”
However, the German went on to support the decision. “I think everyone understands our philosophy and I am in favour of it. In 1997, ’98 and ’99 we had difficult years and I think we would rather put up with a bit of criticism than be pitied. That is the way we have always worked. As a team, we have always worked to try and win the championship for us and our fans and we are just trying to continue our run of success.”
Schumacher would not comment on what he expected to come out of the meeting with the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on 26th June, but on the subject of the podium ceremony in Austria he explained that he had thought about giving the trophy to Rubens before he got on the podium. “This was not for the reason that he had to let me by, but for other reasons, like the fact we had good team work and he deserved the trophy. When you are confronted with such a reaction, maybe you do not think things through so clearly.”
In summing up the Austrian event, the world champion described it as “an unusual race,” before adding, “in my career, I reckon that 98% of my races have been normal and this one was an exception. I think the situation in Austria has been exaggerated.” Asked if the past ten days had a positive or negative influence on his motivation and enthusiasm for the sport, Michael smiled and replied: “You know me, when the going gets tough the tough get going.”
On to this weekend and Michael was asked to explain his impressive record in Monaco and how much effort is involved in avoiding the barriers which are so close to the track on this unique street circuit. “I don’t really think about the walls,” he explained. “I don’t think we have a different discipline to find a clear lap. You just wait for the right moment when the circuit is in the best condition to start your programme, just as you would on any other track. As I have come here for so many years it feels normal to me. I remember racing Formula 3 on the Macau street circuit and I learnt that you must not hit the barriers in any session as it means losing a good qualifying position. That experience taught me a lot.”
His only regret so far this week? “I enjoyed playing in the charity football match, but I should have scored a goal!”
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