Formula One news

Can Schumi get it back?

Former German F1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck doubts that Michael Schumacher can reclaim the drivers' championship in 2006. The 54-year-old, who drove 74 grands prix in the seventies, reckons Ferrari might struggle to adapt to the new 2.4 litre V8 engine regulation.

''Ok, new rules always mix things up again,'' Stuck told the Bild newspaper, ''but if I'm honest, I think Ferrari's comeback is a few years down the track. Ferrari do not have great experience with V8 technology and mother company Fiat's money is drying up even more. Hopefully I'm wrong!''

Seven time title winner Schumacher, though, insists he is at least still motivated to push like mad next year, even if he might retire at the end of the season. ''After an experience like this,'' said the talented German at his embarrassing '05 finale in Shanghai, ''my desire is probably even bigger. There is only one goal - to get the championship back.''

Disagreeing with Stuck, meanwhile, is new world champion Fernando Alonso. Asked if Schumacher will be the man to beat in 2006, the Spaniard replied: ''Of course.''

But Ferrari boss Jean Todt warned that the red marque is going to require more than a change in the second car for 2006. The exit of Rubens Barrichello, and the arrival of Felipe Massa - the Frenchman warned - won't be enough.

''If they don't have a good car with good tyres,'' Todt said, ''then you can change the blood all you want - it will not make them any quicker.''

more news

• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit
• 26 Dec. '08
  • Montezemolo says KERS introduction is a mistake
• 25 Dec. '08
  • Season's greetings from GPUpdate.net
• 24 Dec. '08
  • Massa against proposed pay cut
  • Ferrari undecided over Schumacher future
  • Karthikeyan not interested in joining Force India
  • Mosley: Finding a successor won't be easy
  • Ecclestone won't split teams - Howett
  • Mosley may still try to continue
• 23 Dec. '08
  • WSR team Draco teams up with Force India
  • Howett: Ecclestone not able to split FOTA
  • Toyota committed to Formula 1

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