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SCHUMACHER/SEPANG Connection? Unfounded Per Weber

Discussion in 'F1' started by RP, Apr 7, 2009.

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  1. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
    17,667
    Bocahuahua, Florxico
    Full Name:
    Tone Def
    #1 RP, Apr 7, 2009
    Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Weber has labelled as "idiotic" the criticism aimed at the seven-time world champion following the Malaysian Grand Prix.

    German and Italia media report that Schumacher, who works as a consultant for the Ferrari team, was the man in charge of making the decision that ruined Kimi Raikkonen's race on Sunday, the Finn switching to extreme weather tyres too early.

    Weber said Schumacher had nothing to do with it.

    The German also suggested the former world champion's contract with Ferrari was unlikely to be renewed.

    "The criticism aimed at Schumacher is totally idiotic," Weber was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. "His contract with Ferrari ends at the end of the year, but I don't know whether it will be renewed.

    "The attack against Schumacher makes no sense. He knows everyone and was in Sepang just by chance. The decisions from the pit wall were taken by the team.

    "It's possible that his contract won't be renewed, but there will be a meeting midway through the year, so we'll have to wait.

    "Should his contract really not be renewed, then it would certainly not be because of the Malaysian GP. Michael may give some advice to the team, but he is not the team leader nor the team manager at Ferrari."

    Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali refused to speak about Schumacher's situation following the race on Sunday.

    "This is something we will discuss internally, it is not something that we will discuss outside," he said.
     
  2. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

    Apr 12, 2005
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    Montclair Village
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    #2 ricksb, Apr 7, 2009
    If Schumacher made that call (and I'm not convinced Weber is being forthright), then that's a reflection on the lack of team control and direction Domenicali has. They rolled the dice and gave away points, which in isolation is not all that bad. What's bad is that they have crapped out WAAAYYYY too often over the past 12 months. Now he's allowing a consultant to look over his shoulders (allegedly) and dictate race strategy? (Not selling Schumacher short...I would have a lot of value for anything he brings to the table but I certainly wouldn't look for his advice in the face of so many foibles if I were Domenicali)

    Loyalty does not equal capable leader...
     
  3. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    10,142
    Orange County, CA
    #3 SrfCity, Apr 7, 2009
    Seems like they're looking for anyone to point the finger at. A Brawn type guy would make the difference.
     
  4. Remy Zero

    Remy Zero Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2005
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    KL, Malaysia
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    #4 Remy Zero, Apr 7, 2009
    I really doubt MS was in charge or looked up to for that sorta decision to be taken. I think it was between Kimi and his engineer. Why would MS make that sorta decision? He don't even have any experience with the F60, the characteristics of the car, the handling, etc.
     
  5. maxorido

    maxorido Formula 3

    Jul 6, 2006
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    #5 maxorido, Apr 7, 2009
    Yeah but the characteristics of the car don't have much effect on needing wet tires if it's gonna rain. This was more of a gamble on when the rain was gonna come down, to propel Kimi up the order, I don't see what any behind the wheel experience is needed to make the call. That's why engineers make the decision.

    I can see Michael making a suggestion to the team, as he is on the pit wall with them, but you can't really be sure.
     
  6. spirot

    spirot F1 World Champ

    Dec 12, 2005
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    Tom Spiro
    #6 spirot, Apr 7, 2009
    I think that Ferrari is back to the way it used to be ... indecision, recriminations and listening to the press... all we need is for Montezemolo to dye his hair white and start wearing dark sunglasses and it could be 1973 all over again!!!

    As for Schumacher... he is the only one left from the dream team... I would listen to him more than anyone else... Kimi included. They made a gamble and just missed out...perhaps they should have made a stop to refuel early, then when the rain comes go in for tyres... the tyre change was dictated by the fuel stop... and the gamble was to go to full wet...obviously it was going to rain... just when was the question!
     
  7. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    10,142
    Orange County, CA
    #7 SrfCity, Apr 8, 2009
    MS may be a little bored after his contract with F is up. How 'bout helping out Brawn a bit? You heard it here first ;)
     
  8. Remy Zero

    Remy Zero Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2005
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    #8 Remy Zero, Apr 8, 2009
    If, MS was the one that gave the idea, or rather instruction, it just shows how disillusioned the Ferrari team is now.
     

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