Filed under: Motorsports, Euro, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Mercedes-Benz, AMG
Ralf Schumacher confirms move to DTM
The Schumacher brothers, now both out of F1 where they were the most successful German drivers in the sport's history, are racing in every which direction. Following reports that Michael may be trying his hand at MotoGP motorbike racing comes confirmation from kid brother Ralf that he's moving to the popular DTM German touring car series.
The news comes after Ralf's previous test with the Mercedes AMG team in DTM at Portugal's Estoril race track, where he apparently found his niche after losing his ride in F1. The younger Schumacher will make his race debut at Hockenheim on April 13 behind the wheel of a 2007-spec Trilux AMG C-Class, not unlike the one Mercedes is selling at auction. After learning the ropes of the touring car scene, Schumi Jr. could fill the void left by the Mika Hakkinen's departure. Thanks for the tip, Toppi!
[Source: Mercedes-Benz Motorsport and Autosport]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard Martin 5:32PM (2/18/2008)
Michael was the most successful German F1 driver. Ralf only got there because of his name.
Reply
Franz 6:02PM (2/18/2008)
Well, that's a bit harsh. Ralf doesn't hold a candle to Michael, but he's still a pretty good driver. He had relatively good seasons when driving for Jordan and Williams early in his career, and managed to score many podium finishes including 6 wins.The younger, more talented drivers showed him up terribly in the latter part of his career, but no one gets a drive in an F1 machine based on their name alone. He just stayed in it too long I think. He should've retired to another series when he just started having his ass handed to him.
Richard Martin 7:24PM (2/18/2008)
When Ralf first came into F1 in 1997 he was exciting to watch, the car was always on the edge and you could see he was pushing hard. After getting picked up by Williams he just kind of fizzled. Yes, when things were on the line he'd turn in the occasional spectacular drive but for the most part he just doesn't have the abilities of his older brother.
David Hobbs said it best while commenting on Ralf being given a drive with Toyota. He said, "They hired the wrong Schumacher".
Also, if the "Schumacher" name didn't carry any weight how did Ralf's wife (Hard) Cora get paid $600,000 a year to drive in a DTM support series?
Luis 7:13PM (2/18/2008)
DTM is awesome. I wish Ralf the best. Along with Lauda.
Reply
Luis 7:15PM (2/18/2008)
I'd like to add that no one is going to fill Mika's place...merely carve a new space for himself (Ralf).
Reply
Franz 7:47PM (2/18/2008)
I already dsaid that Ralf doesn't hold a candle to Mike... it's the first point I made. And yeah, the Schumacher name might carry a bit of weight over in DTM, but it sure as hell ain't the case in F1. DTM was never my debate now, was it? Plus, I'm sure his wife's a decent driver too. Sponsors love to sign on to winning teams, not just the ones with the fancy names.
Ralf's an ok driver, but ok doesn't cut it in F1. I still think that to say he only got there because of his last name is b.s. Remember, Ralf made his F1 debut in 1997. The Schumacher name never had the clout back then that you think it has now.
Richard Martin 8:38PM (2/18/2008)
Eddie Jordan brought both Schumacher brothers into F1. In 1997 the Schumacher name did carry a lot of clout because Michael had won back to back championships with Benetton in '94 and '95. In 1996 at Spa he put in a wet weather drive that to this day is considered one of the best wins ever.
It probably wasn't a coincidence that the two Schumacher brothers both came into F1 through the same team...the name does carry clout.
Reply
Franz 11:07AM (2/19/2008)
Well, seeing as you're stuck on the weight of the name, you can think whatever you like. And thanks for the history lesson, even though I didn't really need one: I've been an avid F1 fan since 1988, and I haven't missed a race in about 6 years. Even if the Schumacher name has loads of clout... which it surely does have now... it's not the reason Ralf got a seat. He's nowhere near as good as big brother Mike, but he's still a very good driver. I think Eddie Jordan was smart enough to sign him based on his talent rather than last name. I mean, it is racing after all. What good is a race driver who can't drive?
Korona 11:55PM (2/18/2008)
I think Ralf is misunderstood, he probably has driving skills very similar to his brother.
Reply
Peter 6:50AM (2/19/2008)
If that's the case he's managed to hide it very well. And now all he gets is a DTM drive in a last season's car (according to Haug his testing times were "quite ok", what an endorsement). Don't know why he's doing this to himself.
N1BIG 8:27AM (2/19/2008)
He's doing this becasue the options were:
A - No drive
B - Force India didn't want him
C- At least it's a quazi factory drive
Reply
Capo 12:45AM (3/22/2008)
U mentioned that ralf should have retired earlier as he "fizzled out" i dont believe he fizzled at all i believe that the updates on the f1 cars such as traction control brake/turn assist anti stall etc. took alot of skill out of the race and therefore "overtaking" as every1 suffered threw it was extremely difficult unless u were in a top ride he has the ability just not the car to show it look up history and seem the laps time is free prac etc and u will see the proff of ability. I believe that this year if he remained in f1 with the cancilation of traction control and brake assist and standard ecu the driver ability is definately on show and u will see the older drivers closing the gap to the younger bucks (ralf should have been one of them) glock is no where near as good in my opinion.
And thats my 2 cents
Reply