Schumacher Ferrari's third driver - di Montezemolo

In an interview with a popular Italian newspaper, Luca di Montezemolo has hinted that Michael Schumacher is set to test Ferrari's newly launched car in 2008. To the Turin-based daily La Stampa, Ferrari president Montezemolo described retired seven time world champion Schumacher as the team's "terzo pilota" -- 'third driver' in English.

Asked by La Stampa about the Maranello based outfit's 2008 lineup, Montezemolo said: “Like only Fangio and Scheckter before him, Räikkönen won the title with us in his first year. Now he knows the car and the team better, so it can only improve more. Massa has shown he is a winner, and especially in the races he always thinks about the team. The strength of Ferrari is our teamwork. And then there is a third driver, Schumacher. We can rely on his experience of driving without traction control,” he added.

Montezemolo also mentioned Stefano Domenicali; Ferrari's new team boss after fifteen years with Jean Todt at the helm. “I wish Stefano the same luck that I had in the 70s, when Enzo Ferrari chose me as head of the team when I was not a technician,” he said. Referring to himself, Montezemolo then said: “In two and a half months I will complete the mandate as head of the Confidustria, and then I will be present at Maranello much more often.”

Source: GMM





now it's official and all the Schumi nut-danglers can go crazy!!!;)

so he's just an official test driver, or a backup?

so he's just an official test driver, or a backup?

Back-up?

"Hey Massa, we really need to win this one, no offense....Michael, suit up!"

lol. I'm sure he's just going to be there for testing. Kinda like Mario Andretti helping out his son's Indy team.

so he's just an official test driver, or a backup?

he's officially both now.........at first it was said that he would only be a test driver, but now he's officially the back up also........so if Kimi or Massa get hurt or sick.......so the chances of seeing Schumi compete in a GP are pretty good......

I guess TAMUmpower will change his sig now ... yet again
But srsly, if Schufacher thought he was competent enough, he would be a primary driver already!

Sheesh, does anybody just retire anymore? Go away, let the youngsters have a go! That goes for you too, Coulthard and Barichello!

Back-up?

"Hey Massa, we really need to win this one, no offense....Michael, suit up!"


:lol

so what does that make Luca Badoer and Marc Gene?

so what does that make Luca Badoer and Marc Gene?

4th & 5th drivers. Although I'm not convinced Schumacher will be the 3rd driver who attends races as back up.

Ferrari define Schumacher's role

By Michele Lostia and Pablo ElizaldeFriday, January 11th 2008, 13:45 GMT

Michael Schumacher says he and Ferrari have finally decided what his role at the Italian squad will be following his retirement from racing.

The seven-time world champion, who stopped racing at the end of 2006, will be in charge of developing cars for Gestione Sportiva - Ferrari's motor racing division.

Schumacher has tested for Ferrari a few times since he retired, and the German says he will do it again in order to help the Italian squad with their new F1 car.

"It took us a bit of time to establish, but now my role inside Ferrari is clear: we had to understand where my presence would be most useful," Schumacher was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I deal with the development of the car inside Gestione Sportiva.

"We haven't yet scheduled the days when I'll drive the car, nothing's decided. We'll evaluate depending on the situations: if the team need me to, I'd like to drive, but not too often.

"The F2008? The car is promising, but it is not yet in its definitive configuration. To give a more grounded opinion we'll have to see what our rivals have done."



Also found this from another interview

The 39-year-old said he would probably test again before the season opener in Melbourne on March 16 but again ruled out competing in Formula One even if Kimi Raikkonen or Felipe Massa were ever unavailable for Ferrari.

"It is pretty sure that at one stage I will go out in the car. If the team wants and it is not too much, then I'm happy to do this. It is probably more likely and makes more sense before the championship starts," he said before reacting with a blunt 'No' when asked if he would ever race again.

"I will come to some of the races, mainly European races. I don't like to travel too much," he added.

Former sporting director Stefano Domenicali has become Ferrari team boss for this season with Jean Todt stepping back to be chief executive of the overall company. Schumacher said the switch was positive.

"All the changes that have happened in the end have kept the group strong. I don't think they will weaken Ferrari they will improve the situation overall," he said.

"Stefano is very experienced...and on top of that anyway he will have Jean at his side to support him anytime he needs."

and another from today......


http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=33658


guess him being the back up driver was just another F1 rumor.....:dunno

Yeah, wouldn't make any sense outside of as a publicity stunt I guess

Back-up?

"Hey Massa, we really need to win this one, no offense....Michael, suit up!"

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I guess TAMUmpower will change his sig now ... yet again
But srsly, if Schufacher thought he was competent enough, he would be a primary driver already!

I don't think that is the issue ;)

He is simply retired.

I am a BMW Racing Fan, but have been a Ferrari fan since I was a little kid as my father is a Ferrari collector. Schumacher was a great driver but I was glad when he stepped down. He's an ass, we all know it, there's no arguing it! He will be the developer and thats great, I do not thik he will run races as I think he is to vein to not be the #1 and have that respect. He will be great to help them develop as he knows so much but as far as racing goes I hope he stays in the pits!

Is it March Yet?

Source: CRAPPY





now it's official and all the Schumi nut-danglers can go crazy!!!;)

Fixed.

SRSLY, autosport > all

Fixed.

SRSLY, autosport > all

yes I know, but autosport doesn't always report on every little thing that happens.........

some people find it entertaining to talk about rumors and such......


so, Mr.M do me a favor, the next time you see a thread that I start, don't come in it!.....it's that fuckin simple.
I'm sick of you repeating the same shit, over and over and over like a nagging wife!!!.......don't even bother reponding to this, just stay the fuck out!:complain:complain:complain

No....

Formula1.com > All

It is the official site for a reason ;)

I'm sick of you repeating the same shit, over and over and over like a nagging wife!!!.......don't even bother reponding to this, just stay the fuck out!:complain:complain:complain

I'm sick of you repeating the same bullshit threads over and over. Quit posting sensationalist rubbish.

I'm sick of you repeating the same bullshit threads over and over. Quit posting sensationalist rubbish.


so, Mr.M do me a favor, the next time you see a thread that I start, don't come in it!.....it's that fuckin simple.


now pretty please, with a cherry on top........stay out of any thread I make;)
and let the rest of us talk about the "sensationalist rubbish"....:)

wife!!!.......don't even bother reponding to this, just stay the fuck out!:complain:complain:complain

:rofl :rofl

How many times do I have to tell you and JP that you can only post or quote sources deemed fit by the self proclaimed F1-news source police here on BF.C ? :rofl :rolleyes

Even though those same "sources" may post pit lane gossip they evidently have access to from here in the US (~15,000 miles from the pit) which can never be substantiated anyway :)

Talk about sensationalism :rolleyes

Lighten up, fellas :)

and check this out (http://axisofoversteer.blogspot.com/2008/01/in-michaels-slipstream.html)

Wow this thread got a little rough, I think we all just need it to be March.

I heard Schumi was going to co drive with Sato in 2008. I cannot reveal my sources but they are not reliable. :help

I heard Schumi was going to co drive with Sato in 2008. I cannot reveal my sources but they are not reliable. :help

there's also a rumor about him driving at Sebring for Risi Competizione(just a one off race, not joining the team)...:shifty

but I can't post about it....or the F1 news police will get me!!:shifty

I heard Schumi was going to co drive with Sato in 2008. I cannot reveal my sources but they are not reliable. :help

:rofl

Wow this thread got a little rough, I think we all just need it to be March.

And it will get much worse :D

and check this out (http://axisofoversteer.blogspot.com/2008/01/in-michaels-slipstream.html)

Is that an approved site? :shifty

:rofl :rofl

How many times do I have to tell you and JP that you can only post or quote sources deemed fit by the self proclaimed F1-news source police here on BF.C ? :rofl :rolleyes

It has nothing to do with news source police as much as just having common sense.

When was the last time autosport published a false story? How many threads have been created about stories pulled from fan sites which turned out to be totally false?

And it will get much worse :D



Is that an approved site? :shifty

Hell yeah it's approved...:buttrock:):):devillook

It has nothing to do with news source police as much as just having common sense.

When was the last time autosport published a false story? How many threads have been created about stories pulled from fan sites which turned out to be totally false?

Actually Autosport, while usually good, had the most laughable quotes EVER in their end of the season podcast. Granted, that was an opinion piece but still it did show the mindset.

I guess TAMUmpower will change his sig now ... yet again
But srsly, if Schufacher thought he was competent enough, he would be a primary driver already!

Someone say my name?...Pshop isnt available right now, but yes, im now required to put something schumi on it. And what, you dont like my siggy sigs...my designs are muy bueno

I think Ferrari will do well with MS still in a medium testing role.

It has nothing to do with news source police as much as just having common sense.


You can rob me. You can starve me and you can beat me and you can kill me. Just don't bore me.

Pshop isnt available right now


What will it take to keep in "un-available"? :D