Bernie: ‘I have him winning the championship’
December 23, 2009 by SJ Skid
Filed under People & Events, SJ Skid
I may have spoken too soon when I suggested that Formula 1 wasn’t jumping all over the Michael Schumacher return as much as it did during his aborted one this past summer.
The official site has a Q and A up with none other than Bernie Ecclestone.
And Bernie sounds downright giddy.
Wait, no he doesn’t. He sounds bored, at times, a little enthusiastic at others, but overall he sounds like Bernie.
Have a look:
Q: Bernie, since this morning Michael Schumacher’s comeback is official. Are you surprised he really did it?
Bernie Ecclestone: Not really. There were speculations around for quite a while and I was pretty sure that he would do it if his physical status would allow it. Now we know the answer.Q: How long ago did you know that a deal would be reached?
BE: Not much before everybody else. To be honest I’ve not spoken to Michael lately, but knowing him for so many years I was very confident that F1 would see his comeback.
“Now we know the answer?” Bernie! Hey! Your biggest meal-ticket this side of Abu Dhabi has just signed back on for three years. Can’t you sound a little thrilled? Just a bit?
Q: Is having Michael on the grid again next season a scenario to your liking? It seems like is the perfect ‘final curtain’ for an exciting year that’s seen some stunning results…
BE: I think it is fantastic for Formula One that he turned into a ‘comeback kid’. But at the same time I also think that it’s good for Michael. When drivers have put in many years they sometimes lose focus and motivation – probably that was one of the reasons for his retirement in 2006 – but now he has again put all his strength together and has a 100 percent motivation level and that will give us many exciting races in 2010.Q: With the manufacturers’ clout somewhat on the decline, is this again the time for characters in Formula One racing?
BE: There is no doubt about that – and Michael, as we all know, was and is one of the most outstanding characters F1 has ever created.
OK, here’s something bordering on substantive. Proof that Bernie (and Max?) wanted to get rid of the manufacturers, but if he wants “characters” why not keep Ron and Flavio?
Oh, right, they’d fight against Bernie and Max.
Go on…
Q: Do you have him on your bill for winning races next season?
BE: Forget about winning races – I have him on my bill for winning the championship. He will be of immense value for the team to push the development of the car. We have all seen in the past that he was never satisfied unless the car was in perfect condition. With his drive for the optimum and his deep technical understanding he will save the team precious time. Nico Rosberg will be the one who will directly benefit from all this.
Too bad there’s no allowance for developing the car during the season!
I also am of the opinion that the driver who is going to benefit from Schumacher’s input on the car is Sebastian Vettel, not Nico. Nico will get kicked to the curb and the door will be opened for the real Mercedes Dream Team: Michael and Der Seb.
Q: 2010 will see some fantastic driver line-ups: Alonso/Massa, Button/Hamilton, Vettel/Webber – and now Schumacher/Rosberg. Looks like we are heading for a hell of a season…
BE: That’s the intention. I always said that Formula One is a strong brand. It has demonstrated time and again that it can pull itself up by its own bootstraps. And yes, all indications point to a jaw-dropping season. Fans will love it.
Bernie still doesn’t sound very enthusiastic, does he?
But, I have to agree, those line-ups are exciting. But the interviewer forgot Sutil/Liuzzi! :)
Reactions from you all, or are you on F1 news overload? It would be totally understandable.
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You know, I sometimes wonder if Schumacher’s aborted stand-in attempt last summer was for no other reason than to gauge our reaction to his (possible) return. The stars have aligned far too perfectly not to wonder.
Pretty much all the volume manufacturers run screaming from F1, yet Merc is merrily skipping in the opposite direction, with open arms and a sh*t-eating grin. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Merc, Schu et al was planned WELL in the past (God, I hate conspiracy theories, but only F1 can do this to me). And we all wonder why Bernie doesn’t sound slapped with surprise and rapture…
Finally, throw in lead sponsorship from Petronas and now we have the most recognisable and successful driver in motorsport, plus the most recognised premium automotive brand in the world, plus one of Asia’s most prominent energy giants all coming together. It’s the perfect recipe for unrivalled branding opportunities in the emerging markets of the Middle- to Far-East now that all the other big boys are out of the picture.
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I feel so, so bad for Rosberg. This was meant to be his big break, to be in a highly competitive car and to lead the drivers’ stable. All gone. And even if Schumacher is not a success again (he will be if he’s fit and healthy) and he leaves, Vettel will be the next man in line to steal whatever thunder is left in Rosberg.
Anyone still think Button leaving for MacLaren was a bad move?
A prediction: this new ‘international team’ that Norbert Haug speaks of will play very nasty next year. They could make Ferrari look like the nice old Italian gentleman who repairs the soles of your shoes.
Interesting prediction from Bernie. Would have been more fun if the Schu had joined McLaren and brought Ron back. Then we would have some proper F1
Interesting prediction from Bernie. Would have been more fun if the Schu had joined McLaren and then Ron had been brought back. Then we would have some proper F1 playground dynamics.
ubergreg’s point about Nico is well taken. Tough situation for him unless he proves himself faster than the chin but even then there’s a large contingent that will chalk it up to Michael being out of the game for three years. The only way Nico can win is to win and win big – faster than Schu and everyone else.
Cheers