Michael Schumacher Makes His First 2001 Appearance
Madonna di Campiglio, 11.1.01

This was Michael Schumacher's first official appointment of 2001, on the third day of the International F1 Press Meeting in Madonna di Campiglio.

Michael seemed relaxed and confident

The World Champion seemed in fine form and in relaxed but determined mood as the start of the new season approaches. "As usual, I spent some holiday time in Norway, where the locals do not bother me," began Michael. "The only downside was the lack of snow until after the new year. The best thing about it was seeing my daughter skiing for the first time. My style on the snow? Well, I like skiing, but I am not particularly talented, so my instructors are trying to improve my technique."

The questions soon cut to more important matters. Michael expressed his views on the changes to the technical regulations, both those already implemented and those that could be adopted in the next few months, in terms of their effect on driving the 2001 cars. "I don't think the cars will be harder to driver. The main effects will only be felt at some circuits, where the cars should be a bit slower, but there will not be any radical changes and it will not be necessary to change driving style. As far as the electronics are concerned, I don't think it will penalise the most talented drivers. Of course there will be a difference in the lap times. Currently the cars are compromised in some areas and therefore cannot be pushed right to their limits. With the help of the electronics it should be possible to push them to those limits. The cars will therefore be more neutral, which is something I prefer and it will be possible to go quicker."

"Rubens chances of winning are up to him", said Michael

Schumacher does not think there is any danger of a lack of motivation, now that he has won his third title and brought Ferrari the success it had been waiting for for so long. "I was born to race and there is no way I do not feel stimulated every time I get into a race car," said Michael. "This year, I have started my training programme earlier than usual and I reckon you will have to wait a long time to see me lack motivation. My aims? Obviously, I want to win races and championships but reaching certain records will not mean I will lose the will to win. I reckon that by the time I am 35 or 36 I will have reached my maximum, or maybe I could go on a bit longer. As long as I am enjoying myself I will continue to race."

Michael is convinced that this could be the start of a Ferrari era. "We have been at the top level for four years and it would not take much more to maintain this level. We need to keep developing and we must constantly improve. Another important factor is stability, to guarantee the quality and spirit of the team. Jean Todt's future? He is one of the most important people, but he can answer that question himself. If someone needs to find further motivation alternatives can be found, but he seems very motivated and determined to me."

Luca Badoer will again be the Third Man in the team, for the fifth year

Michael then moved on to the matter of his contractual situation with Ferrari. "I have always said that I really like being in this team," said the world champion. "I still have two years to go on my current contract and it is too early to say what will happen after that. At the moment there is no need to speculate on this matter and there are no particular clauses in my contract. What I want to maintain is the stability of the team at the highest possible level. The end of 2001 sees the expiry of contracts for some engineers and managers. I want to wait to see what the future might hold after 2002."

Asked from the floor what chances Barrichello had in the forthcoming season, Michael had this to say: "It depends on Rubens. Everyone of us thinks we are the quickest and his objectives are the same as mine. There is no particular strategy within the team. There are all sorts of stories made up about differences between the two cars, but I can say there is no truth in them. We both have the very best package at our disposal. It was the same situation when I arrived at Benetton when Nelson Piquet was already there and thanks to technological developments it is even more the case today. At the end of the year, we will see who was quickest. I have a great relationship with Rubens. There is no conflict between us, he is quick and does a very good job of developing the car. We trust one another on technical matters, which was not always the case for me in the past."

This is what the title holder had to say about the forthcoming championship. "I think it will once again come down to a fight between Ferrari and McLaren. However, other teams like Williams could win races, but I would be surprised if my predictions are wrong. There will be strong competition between Bridgestone and Michelin, but I think the Japanese will have the advantage, at least for this year. Then we will see what happens after that."

Much posing for photographers took place!

Schumacher will be back on the track at the end of January. "Already, back in December I wanted to get back behind the wheel. I asked the engineers if they needed me, but they told me to have a good race and concentrate on my own preparation. Now, I cannot wait. I will be in Barcelona in the week commencing on 21st. I don't yet know how many days I will do, because that depends on the schedule. The new car? I have not seen it, but I am in constant discussion with the engineers. I don't care if it is good to look at or not, as long as it is quick. I will see it on the day of the launch, or maybe the night before. The version that is in the wind tunnel is never the final configuration."

There was even a question about the use of depleted uranium in some F1 manufacturing processes. "I know nothing about it, but if there are any risks FIA would step in and ban it, as it did with beryllium."

On the subject of Raikkonen's super-license, he said: "I said the same thing last year as far as Button was concerned. If a driver is quick and talented then he has the right to race. Raikkonen proved that in the tests. He will make mistakes but we all do. There is no need to make a judgement about him right from the first race. We should wait for at least three grands prix."

Schumacher then spoke briefly about his brilliant 2000 season and his emotional response to it. "After a 21 year drought, the victory produced a wide range of emotions. I saw with my own eyes some mechanics crying at first, then laughing with joy. I think maybe it will still take time to realise what really happened. For me, 2000 was the peak of my career and I think that the race at Suzuka was my best. What I can say to the fans is that I will try and do even better."

There was another question about how Mika Hakkinen might react now he is a father. Michael spoke about some aspects of his private life and the family. "A son makes you more complete in your private life and gives you special feelings. I don't know if it makes any difference as a driver, but as a man, it helps because the family gives you greater stability. My children will grow up in a free environment, free to choose their own future, just as my father did with me. I remember when I was little, I did judo and karting and it happened that one weekend I had events in both disciplines. I asked my father what I should do and he told me I had to choose. I opted for the judo but as soon as I got to the gym, I realised I had made the wrong choice. Of course, I would prefer to see my children play golf, but it will up to them to decide."