http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-schumacher-unlikely-to-test-in-2009/ Michael Schumacher has conceded that F1's newly-imposed in-season testing ban will probably mean less or no running for him in 2009. The seven-time world champion remains an advisor to the Ferrari team and also an occasional test driver, appearing in the F2008 on a number of occasions last year. But not only will the in-season moratorium see him sidelined, the 40-year-old German said the race drivers will want to be on duty for the remaining tests of the current winter period. "These next weeks and tests are now for preparationof the entire season," he told Germany's Express. Schumacher, despite his vast experience with slick tyres, said he assumed the test drivers, including himself, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene, will have to defer to racers Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa. "At the moment we are just discussing whether Ferrari sees it the same way," he explained. Schumacher, however, said he will not be bored in 2009, revealing he will contest the German Superbike championship because two-wheeled racing is his "new passion
It will be interesting to see if Ferrari pull Schumi in for some tests if the F60 is struggling come the first rounds of the season.... Time will tell...
I'm not surprised. As time goes on and the cars progress, Schumacher has less and less experience to contribute. His empiric database becomes increasingly irrelevant. Plus the man gets older.
Your points are all valid, but as we have seen over the last 2 years, Massa and Kimi both enjoy different set-up's and handling characteristics. We saw last year the development of the car going in Massa's direction for what ever reason, i really think Ferrari will be cautious about going down that one sided path again, if they do need a 3rd opinion on the car, would you rather see Michael, Badoer or Gene doing the testing?
I don't think they can do that, because the teams will no longer be allowed to test during the season.
Last year's events come down to two factors: a) Massa improved dramatically (yes, here I said it) b) Kimi couldn't deal with the tires, never got them to the point where he liked them, only once they were totally worn towards the end of the race was he in his element (hence all the fastest laps) So how will that affect this year's cars, which are wildly different? a) Massa will most likely overcome the oversteering and looseness of the cars, after all he figured out no TC last year after a while b) cannot say whether this year's handling suits Kimi's liking for the tires, probably will as the cars are more loose like the rally cars he did so well Honestly: None of the above. Despite my earlier comment (which was said jokingly), I don't want to see Badoer in a race again. He was never really good and has been out of it for way too long. Gene I never was a fan of and Schumacher, well he is simply getting too old. Besides he is busy crashing motorcycles. If Ferrari were to use a 3rd car, I'd love to see a fresh face. Like that Italian kid who recently tested at Fiorano and was impressive (and no I don't mean Mr MotoGP).
All very true but old Schuy obviously doesn't feel 40 years of age and he certainly doesn't look 40, so as long as he is fit enough to keep up with the current drivers which to me there is no doubt he can, then whats the problem? So if Ferrari were to give him any test sessions then i would rather see him in the car than marc or Luca tbh. And if Ferrari put the young Italian in the car that you mentioned then the drivers would have more experience than him so he wouldn't really be able to give much feed back that Kimi and Felipe wouldn't of found for themselves.
I don't think a 40 year old man should be in F1. Reasoning... I don't think a 40 year old person can beat the young 20 year olds even if we're talking about the Schumi.
Schumy not testing for Ferrari in one aspect or another is definitely bad news for Tifosi world wide !
