To Michael Schumacher this 2006 season must be one of his toughest challenges yet. For a multi world champion and arguably the best driver the world, coming 3rd last year must have been devastating. The truth is, had it not been Michael driving that Ferrari, even third in the championship would have been a dream. He has already hinted that he may retire at the end of his Ferrari contract at the end of this season, so this year really is a make his mind up year. With this in mind Michael will only have one goal in mind, to win the championship. Ferrari had a massive leaning curve last season, when they did not take the new regulations seriously enough and probably had the wrong manufacture of tyres. However the rules have changed again and there will be an open playing field come the first race of the season. The team is fired up, Ross Brawn the technical director is fired up and you can bet Michael will want to end his F1 career in glory. Personally I think only winning he championship will keep him in a F1 car! A benefit to Michael and Ferrari this coming season is the reintroduction of changing tires during a race. It was argued that Bridgestone tyres last year just didn't like the endurance type races. The truth is no one really knows, but this year will certainly give us an idea. Michael is well known for his involvement in the technical side, aiding his team to make better technical decisions. He is also known for his driving in the wet, often being able to stay out longer on dry or intermediate tyres or just judge things better. He can bring this all back next year, when the visits to pit during races are for more than just fuel. The truth is I tend to support the underdog in motor racing, so I don't tend to shout Michael on. But it has to be said he is one of the greatest F1 drivers ever, if not the greatest. We might not see it now when we compare, Senna, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart etc. But I think in many years time when Michael has retired, we will look back and see him as the genius from Germany. |
