Schumi looks to be firing again

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher could be on the brink of a sensational breakthrough in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The 43-year-old has hit his best form since his comeback with Mercedes two years ago. And with his cool third place in Valencia last time out, he became the oldest man to scale the podium since 44-year-old Jack Brabham in 1970. That came after he clocked the fastest time in Monaco — only to have his pole placing cancelled because of a carry-over penalty from the previous race incident in Barcelona, Spain. His European Grand Prix result was his 155th appearance on the podium — 91 of them victories — and he says ominously: “I feel there is more to come.” That could well be in the British round this Sunday, a race he has won three times, the last time eight years ago. Schumacher, who is reckoned to have amassed a fortune of around £900 million (Dh5.148 billion) from salary and sponsorships lives in Swiss lakeside luxury but his restlessness to race tempted him out of retirement and he admits: “I can’t help myself. The desire to be competitive, to race..and win..is in my blood.” Still buzzing from his star show around the harbour-side circuit in Valencia, round eight of the title chase, in Spain he said: “It is a beautiful feeling — and the perfect answer to all those who have recently been critical of me and the team.” Ex-racer turned TV pundit David Coulthard, the Scot whom the German genius narrowly beat to the world title in 2001, hails the ace: “His longevity is something to be proud of. F1 isn’t a charity, you have to earn your right to be there. And I have the highest regard for Michael’s speed, his intellect, his work ethic, his fitness — and the way he galvanises a team.” Team boss Ross Brawn, mastermind of all seven of Schumacher’s world titles at Benetton and then Ferrari and the influence behind his £10m-a-year, three-season comeback says: “He is as competitive as he always was. As we have recently seen, if we give him the car he will get great results.Hopefully, there will be more podiums to come.” And Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, who beat his old foe by winning the 1997 title, said: “He is driving as well as he did when he was at his best. He’s been impressive all year and you could see that in Monaco. He was terrific. Even better in Valencia. Okay, he’s had some bad luck this season, but he has always bounced back. “Right now, he’s looking like he did in his winning days. He’s now relaxed and at home with the Mercedes. from gulfnews.com