Frank Williams opposes Schumacher’s tests

Michael Schumacher has just under three weeks left to prepare for his official return to the F1 driver’s seat since his retirement at the end of 2006. And time is against him as three essential problems threaten him.

ISSUE NO. 1

His tests at Mugello with the F2007 are not representative because even though the car is the one that crowned Kimi Räikkönen, it is already two years old. Indeed, according to the regulations, Schumacher cannot test with this year’s or last year’s car. “With it, I obviously have no point of reference,” the German stated on his website. And despite the testing ban by the regulations, Ferrari has made an exceptional request to test aboard the F60 so that their exceptional driver can prepare as best as possible under these also exceptional circumstances. However, one man views this unfavorably: Frank Williams.

To make such a test possible, Ferrari sent a letter to all the teams as well as to the FIA. The teams united within the FOTA accepted this request because the situation is unfortunate for Felipe Massa and this is a sporting gesture, which Ferrari will surely appreciate, stated John Howett, vice-president of the FOTA, on SpeedTV.

On the other hand, from Force India, there is still no official stance, but an agreement is expected. This leaves only Williams. According to the Gazetta dello Sport, the Williams team director remains categorically against it. He finds himself being the only one wanting to prevent Schumi from testing the F60.

On his side, Norbert Haug, although in the rival Ferrari camp, wants Williams to reverse their decision. “I am completely in favor of Michael being granted permission to test the current Ferrari,” declared the vice president of Mercedes Motorsport. “If it were up to me, Michael could test the car for two weeks and not just one day.”

PROBLEM NO. 2

Ferrari risks trouble from the FIA. Until now, no rival has openly complained about the fact that Schumacher has prepared on the F2007, fitted with 2009 slick tires. The regulations are clear, tests conducted with components from the 2009 season are prohibited. It is with this measure that the FIA initiated cost reduction in Formula 1 starting this season. “We are awaiting further details,” stated an FIA spokesperson.

PROBLEM NO. 3

The ban on testing also involves the use of the spectacular simulator at the FIAT factory in Turin. With such a device, it was possible for Michael Schumacher to test the current F60 with KERS, slicks, and adjustable front wings. “The simulator is also affected by the testing ban,” confirmed a Ferrari spokesperson to the magazine Bild.