Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BREAKING: Schumacher likely to return to F1 racing with Mercedes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Say it ain't so, Schu! The Daily Telegraph is reporting that seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is close to signing on with the newly formed Mercedes Formula 1 team. Mercedes is the new name of the former Brawn GP team, the current Constructors Champion. After a stellar rookie season that saw this former Honda team clinch not just the Constructors Championship, but also the Drivers Championship for Jenson Button, they had a bit of a dropoff as Button bolted for rival McLaren.

That left a seat to fill at Mercedes and if BBC Sport's Eddie Jordan is to be believed, none other than Michael Schumacher is about to sign a one-year contract to return to racing in that very car. The deal, which would net Schumacher the same salary that Button turned down at Brawn GP in favour of McLaren, would finally see the German teaming up with Mercedes, who were in the past unsuccessful in their bids to lure him away from Ferrari.

Ferrari almost lured the retired champ back this season when Felipe Massa went down following the infamous spring incident in Hungary. The Champ's sore neck put a stop to that comeback, but apparently it got Schumi's juices flowing again. Signing with Mercedes would create something of a German dream team with Nico Rosberg in the other car. If the deal goes through, MS will be reunited with Brawn GP-namesake and current Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, the man who guided Michael to all seven of his World titles.

Still just a rumor for the moment, the deal is said to give Schumacher the same salary Button turned down when he defected to McLaren. The Schumacher deal is just the latest volley in the silly season melee that has seen Kimi Raikkonen vacate his seat in order to make room for Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, which lost adviser Michael Schumacher as well. Whatever the future holds, it is only going to get more interesting. We'll keep you posted as things develop. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: The Daily Telegraph via Planet F1, BBC Sport | Image Source: Getty]

BREAKING: Schumacher likely to return to F1 racing with Mercedes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsF1Ferrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemclarenmercedesmercedes-benzmichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherMSschumacherFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ferrari figures Raikkonen, Schumacher and Montezemolo to leave their F1 posts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The times they are a-changin' in Maranello. As if the departures of Michael Schumacher, Ross Brawn and Jean Todt over the past few years wasn't enough to shake things up for the Scuderia, a new round of change-ups is looming on the horizon.

First up is Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 World Champion who Ferrari is paying to vacate his seat in order to make room for Fernando Alonso. Following earlier reports that Kimi would stand to make more by sitting out next season, the Finnish driver's manager has reportedly announced that he'll be taking a sabbatical. This, after negotiations with McLaren broke down over such issues as salary, promotional obligations and freedom to drive the occasional rally. Raikkonen's repeatedly reiterated that he's only interested in a winning team, and could take the year to hone his rally skills instead. A tie-in with Red Bull could provide him with a WRC drive and a return to F1 for 2011.

Meanwhile, Kimi's predecessor, Michael Schumacher, is reportedly changing his role with the team as well. For the past couple of seasons, Schumi has served as a special adviser to the Scuderia, often showing his smiling mug on the pit wall at various grand prix events. But while the seven-time World Champion has signed on for another three years to help with the development of future Ferrari road cars, his F1 role with the team has apparently ended. In an effort to sort out why Schumi won't be active with the team any longer, speculation has escalated that Michael could reunite with Ross Brawn and return to the cockpit as a driver for the newly christened Mercedes Grand Prix team, while others suggest he could join his former boss Jean Todt with a role in the FIA.

Finally, Luca di Montezemolo is eying a change in his role as well. The chairman isn't leaving his post as head of either Ferrari or parent company Fiat, but he has announced that he's likely to step down as head of the Formula One Teams Association. The representative body was formed to negotiate on the teams' behalf with the FIA and Formula One Management, but with Montezemolo's longtime underling Todt now heading the FIA, many have been citing a potential conflict of interest. For his part, Montezemolo says he wants to concentrate on his job as chairman of the Italian automakers. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: Autosport and Autocar | Image: Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Ferrari figures Raikkonen, Schumacher and Montezemolo to leave their F1 posts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1ferrari raikkonenFerrariRaikkonenformula 1formula oneformula one teams associationFormula1FormulaOneFormulaOneTeamsAssociationFOTAkimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenluca di montezemoloLucaDiMontezemolomercedes schumacherMercedesSchumachermichael schumacherMichaelSchumachermontezemoloraikkonenrally raikkonenRallyRaikkonenred bull raikkonenRedBullRaikkonenschumacherschumacher brawnSchumacherBrawnwrc raikkonenWrcRaikkonenWed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Michael Schumacher's controversial crowning 1994 Benetton B194]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-schumachers-controversial-crownin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-schumachers-controversial-crownin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-schumachers-controversial-crownin/#commentsFiled under: ,


Michael Schumacher's championship-winning Benetton B194 - Click above for image gallery

If you thought the Formula One World Championship was wrought with controversy these days, the scandals we've seen in recent years pale in comparison to the 1994 season. Historians will remember it as the year Ayrton Senna died (along with Roland Ratzenberger) at the San Marino Grand Prix. But tragic fatalities aside, the '94 championship was settled in one of the most controversial fashions the sport's ever seen.

After a hard-fought season, Michael Schumacher (Benetton) and Damon Hill (Williams) arrived in Adelaide for the final round separated by just one point. Both titles would be decided then and there, but on lap 35 the two front-runners collided, ending the race for both. Schumacher was crowned champion - the first of seven career F1 titles - and while many called foul play, Williams, still dealing with the aftermath of Senna's death, lodged no official protest. And this is the car it all happened in.

Up for grabs on everyone's favorite online auction site is the 1994 Benetton B194 in which Schumi won that controversial title. Although it's being sold from Germany, the car's actually located in Toronto. Fortunately it's been fully repaired since that pivotal crash, its Ford-Cosworth 3.5-liter V8 rebuilt by UK's Langford Performance Engineering. It comes with a truck full of spare parts, including a laptop loaded with the engine management software, two sets of wheels and spare wings aplenty. Bidding, at the time of writing, still has five days to go, but it's already topping 2.6 million euros (that's $3.9M USD). And for a piece of racing history like this one, you can bet it's going to reach higher than that before the digital hammer drops. Hat tip to just about everyone!


Gallery: Michael Schumacher's championship-winning Benetton B194


[Source: eBay Motors Germany]

eBay Find of the Day: Michael Schumacher's controversial crowning 1994 Benetton B194 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1994 f11994 formula one world championship1994F11994FormulaOneWorldChampionshipb194benettonbenetton b194benetton f1benetton-fordbenetton-ford b194Benetton-fordB194BenettonB194BenettonF1f1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherschumacherschumacher benettonSchumacherBenettonWed, 11 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirred]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/video-bacardi-maserati-and-michael-schumacher-get-shaken-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/video-bacardi-maserati-and-michael-schumacher-get-shaken-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/video-bacardi-maserati-and-michael-schumacher-get-shaken-not/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

After seven Formula One World Championships and more records than your local second-hand vinyl shop, Michael Schumacher has proven incredibly adept at driving a point home. Now that he's semi-retired, well...he's still making more money than most of the active drivers in F1 (or any other form of motorsports for that matter), thanks in part to an endorsement deal with Barcardi, the Bermuda-based rum distillery with whom Schumi drives home another kind of point entirely.

To prove the point that drinking and driving don't mix, Schumacher takes once again to the wheel of a Maserati GranTurismo. Only this time he's brought along one Salvatore Calabrese to ride shotgun. Sounds straightforward enough, but the world-renowned bartender known as "The Maestro" isn't coming along just for the ride: while Schumi does what Schumi does best, Calabrese tries to do the same, to highly amusing and illustrative effect. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Bacardi via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirred

VIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirred originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacardibartenderdrink drivedrink mixerdrink mixingDrinkDrivedrinking and drivingDrinkingAndDrivingdrinkmasterDrinkMixerDrinkMixingmichael schumacherMichaelSchumachermixologistmixologyrumSalvatore CalabreseSalvatoreCalabreseschumacherschumacher bacardiSchumacherBacardiMon, 09 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Champion's Champions Crowned at 2009 Race of Champions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/spoiler-alert-winners-winners-crowned-at-2009-race-of-champion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/spoiler-alert-winners-winners-crowned-at-2009-race-of-champion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/spoiler-alert-winners-winners-crowned-at-2009-race-of-champion/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 Race of Champions - Click above for high-res image gallery

Every year, around the world, drivers compete wheel to wheel in all manner of racing series, from rally to F1, touring cars to Le Mans and everything in between. It gives racing fans plenty of varied action to follow, but it leaves one question ultimately unanswered: who is the world's best driver? That's where the Race of Champions comes in.

The event has been held every year since 1988 at the end of the regular racing season, giving the world's best from all manner of racing series the world over a chance to compete against one another on equal footing and common ground. And this year's Race of Champions was no less decisive. Follow the jump to read who claimed victory as the champion of champions.


Gallery: Race of Champions 2009

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Champion's Champions Crowned at 2009 Race of Champions

SPOILER ALERT: Champion's Champions Crowned at 2009 Race of Champions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 race of champions2009RaceOfChampionsbeijingbirds nestBirdsNestchinaekstromfoustgermanymattias ekstromMattiasEkstrommichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherpastranarace of championsrace of champions 2009RaceOfChampionsRaceOfChampions2009rocschumachersebastian vettelSebastianVetteltanner foustTannerFousttravis pastranaTravisPastranavettelWed, 04 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Rum Runner: Schumacher bides his time driving for Bacardi while plotting return to F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/rum-runner-schumacher-bides-his-time-driving-for-bacardi-while/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/rum-runner-schumacher-bides-his-time-driving-for-bacardi-while/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/rum-runner-schumacher-bides-his-time-driving-for-bacardi-while/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



So what is Michael Schumacher up to these days? Well, having retired as one of the highest-paid sports figures of all time, pretty much anything he wants. But even in retirement, Schumi makes more than most F1 drivers. Part of his ongoing sponsorship portfolio includes acting as a spokesman for Bacardi, which recently ran a contest to award a driving experience with the seven-time world champion at the Ascari track in Spain.

A lucky blogger out of Hong Kong won and posted about the experience, including video with telematics, from the cockpit of a Maserati GranTurismo - which probably has more to do with another ongoing deal with sister-company Ferrari than anything else. After all, the last time we saw Schumacher drive anything other than a Fiat group product or a motorbike was before he left Benetton.

Meanwhile, reports persist that Schumacher is still plotting a return to the F1 cockpit. After Felipe Massa was injured in Hungary this past summer, Schumi was slated to take his place, but was sidelined with a lingering neck injury of his own. Ferrari continues to lobby for a third-car option to place Michael back on the track alongside Alonso and Massa, but F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone says it ain't happening. For his part, Schumacher isn't ruling out the possibility. Follow the link to F1 Wolf to watch the video.

[Sources: F1Wolf.com and F1-technical.net | Image: Mark Renders/Getty]

Rum Runner: Schumacher bides his time driving for Bacardi while plotting return to F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascaribacardichampions drink responsiblyChampionsDrinkResponsiblymichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherschumacherschumacher bacardiSchumacherBacardiWed, 21 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Schu to Fill: Ferrari's Luca Badoer hasn't raced in ten years, never scored a point]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/big-schu-to-fill-ferraris-luca-badoer-hasnt-raced-in-ten-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/big-schu-to-fill-ferraris-luca-badoer-hasnt-raced-in-ten-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/big-schu-to-fill-ferraris-luca-badoer-hasnt-raced-in-ten-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With Michael Schumacher now confirmed to have canceled his comeback due to a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident, Ferrari has been left with no choice but to put one of its veteran test drivers into Felipe Massa's seat until the injured Brazilian is ready to return to active duty. The trouble is that while other teams use the test driver position to groom up-and-coming drivers for the race seat, Ferrari's approach has been to use older, more experienced drivers past their prime.

Rather than give the seat to Marc Gené, who continues to race actively for Peugeot at Le Mans and last raced in a grand prix in 2004, Ferrari has decided to award the seat to Luca Badoer, its senior test driver. While testing the Ferrari California last summer, we had a chance to talk with Badoer on his way to the season-closing Brazilian Grand Prix and found him to be a good-natured and affable individual. Still, while his development skills are unrivaled, his actual Formula One race experience leaves something to be desired.

It's been ten years since Badoer last started a race - the longest gap in F1 history - and he rejoins the field as the oldest driver on the grid, narrowly eclipsing his former team-mate Rubens Barrichello at 38. Although he moved to F1 after winning the Formula 3000 title in 1992, in his four seasons and 48 grands prix in the big league (all with Italian teams, incidentally), he failed to score a single point (let alone a race win) and famously broke down in tears alongside his car after it failed to take him to a fourth-place finish at the 1999 European Grand Prix. Ten years later, he's looking to improve his record, and we'll be watching to see how he does. Follow the jump for the official press release.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Big Schu to Fill: Ferrari's Luca Badoer hasn't raced in ten years, never scored a point

Big Schu to Fill: Ferrari's Luca Badoer hasn't raced in ten years, never scored a point originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badoerfelipe massaFelipeMassaferrariluca badoerLucaBadoermassamichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherschumacherscuderia ferrariScuderiaFerrariWed, 12 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Schumacher <em>not</em> coming back after all - driving is a pain in the neck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/officially-official-schumacher-em-not-em-coming-back-after-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/officially-official-schumacher-em-not-em-coming-back-after-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/officially-official-schumacher-em-not-em-coming-back-after-a/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ferrari was in with a bang, now it looks like the scarlet racers will be out with soggy whimpers: Michael Schumacher has canceled his F1 return due to lingering pain in his neck from a motorcycle accident earlier this year.

Schumacher has been testing in Ferrari's 2007 car at the company's private track in Mugello. After the first test, though, he found that the mere strain of driving aggravated the injuries from a crash he suffered in February while motorcycle testing at a track in Spain. At the time, although he went to the hospital, it was thought that everything was fine. Eventually fractures in his neck were discovered, and that is what is causing the problem now.

After laying its hopes on the 7-time world champion, Ferrari now chooses among its reserve drivers to pilot one of their cars in Valencia in 48 hours: Marc Gene or Luca Badoer - Gene's last F1 race drive was the 2004 British Grand Prix, while Badoer hasn't turned an F1 wheel on race day since 1999, at the European Grand Prix. This morning Ferrari head Luca di Montezemolo chose 38-year-old Badoer for the role.


Gallery: Schumacher tests the Ferrari F2007 at Mugello


[Source: F1 Live | Photo by Andy Hone/Getty]

Officially Official: Schumacher not coming back after all - driving is a pain in the neck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingf1ferrariferrari f1FerrariF1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemichael schumacherMichaelSchumachermotorsportsschumacherscuderia ferrariScuderiaFerrariTue, 11 Aug 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Schumacher prepares in old F2007, stiff neck <strike>may</strike> stalls comeback [UPDATED] ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/schumacher-prepares-in-the-old-f2007-manager-halts-production-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/schumacher-prepares-in-the-old-f2007-manager-halts-production-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/schumacher-prepares-in-the-old-f2007-manager-halts-production-o/#commentsFiled under: ,

Michael Schumacher behind the wheel of the Ferrari F2007 at Mugello - Click above for high-res image gallery

Michael Schumacher's hopes of testing the 2009 Scuderia Ferrari F60 may have been dashed, but that doesn't mean the seven-time world champion is resting on his proverbial laurels. In addition to a rigorous fitness regimen to lose weight (he's already dropped three kilos) and tone up his muscles, Schumi's found another way to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car thanks to the company's F1 Clienti department. The service maintains several retired F1 cars for wealthy customers, and Schumacher's reportedly ponied up out of his own deep pockets for some seat time.

Following the announcement last month that he'd be filling in for the injured Felipe Massa, Schumacher took the old F2007 for 70 laps around the company's Mugello circuit, which you can view in the high-res image gallery below. And this week he'll be back at it again, running the car - which he also tested to considerable effect after his retirement - on the GP2-spec tires which the Clienti division fits to the grand prix cars for customer use.

However, while Michael may be hard at work preparing for his return, said comeback is anything but guaranteed at this point. With his neck still hurting from a motorbike accident, his physical condition could keep him from getting back on track, at which point it'd be anybody's guess as to who would take his place. Schumacher's longtime manager Willi Weber is confident that his client will be ready, but apparently learning from his mistakes - having been left literally holding his hat when Schumi lost the 1997 title to Jacques Villeneuve - Webber has also reportedly ordered that production of merchandise celebrating Michael's comeback be canceled in the interim. Schumacher's longtime strategist Ross Brawn, now directing Jenson Button's championship lead, has given Michael a vote of confidence, however, betting on Schumacher winning a race this season as assuredly as his own team will win the title.

UPDATE: Schumacher has confirmed on his own official website that the comeback will not happen due to his neck injury from earlier in the year.


Gallery: Schumacher tests the Ferrari F2007 at Mugello


[Sources: Autosport and F1-Live]

Schumacher prepares in old F2007, stiff neck may stalls comeback [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clientif1 clientiF1Clientif2007ferrariferrari f1 clientiferrari f2007ferrari f2007 mugelloFerrariF1ClientiFerrariF2007FerrariF2007Mugellomichael schumacherMichaelSchumachermugelloschumacherschumiscuderia ferrariscuderia ferrari f2007ScuderiaFerrariScuderiaFerrariF2007Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Statement on Ferrari website lashes out against Toro Rosso "indiscretion"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/statement-on-ferrari-website-lashes-out-against-toro-rosso-indi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/statement-on-ferrari-website-lashes-out-against-toro-rosso-indi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/statement-on-ferrari-website-lashes-out-against-toro-rosso-indi/#commentsFiled under: ,



Sour grapes much? Both of Italy's Formula One teams had to switch drivers mid-season during the year: Scuderia Toro Rosso (because Sebastien Bourdais wasn't working out) and Scuderia Ferrari (due to Felipe Massa injury). However, due to the comprehensive ban on in-season testing, neither could put their replacements into the cockpits of their F1 cars until the following grand prix weekend. So STR's newcomer Jaime Alguersuari was thrown straight into the deep end to sink or swim, while Ferrari, for its part, has been unable to give a returning Michael Schumacher any seat time in the new car. Not that the Maranello squad didn't try - their request for a one-time exemption was opposed by Williams, Red Bull and Toro Rosso. Now a message has appeared on the Ferrari website lashing out at the junior Toro Rosso team.

The statement calls out STR - which, it's worth noting, has used Ferrari customer engines for these past three seasons - as a "team that hasn't won anything for years and yet didn't pass over the opportunity to demonstrate once more a lack of spirit of fair play", while noting that Ferrari had given its consent for an exceptional test for Alguersuari. Ouch. (For the record, though, Toro Rosso won the Italian Grand Prix last year.) We would have to assume the message was somehow posted by a rogue with access to the Ferrari website, but that only begs the question as to why, several days later, it still hasn't been taken down. Follow the link to read the message in full on the Ferrari website.

[Source: Ferrari | Image: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty]

Statement on Ferrari website lashes out against Toro Rosso "indiscretion" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to watch video of Schumacher talking Ferrari after the jump

When he's not racing superbikes or reliving the good old days, seven-time Formula World Champion Michael Schumacher gets his thrills testing new Ferrari supercars. The Prancing Horse recently had Schumi take a 599 GTB with the company's new Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package around Fiorano with a vengeance, and then they got the man to talk about his hand in developing Ferrari models from the ground up.

Schumacher's flogging of the tauter 599 was part of Pilota Ferrari, which is Ferrari's multi-level driving school program for owners. In a second video after the jump, the German pilot also discusses the importance of driving schools for every day driving. Somehow, we have a feeling that the "on-the-limit" maneuvers he speaks of just aren't the same in a 599 GTB HGTE as they are in the Pontiacs at our local track.


Gallery: Schumacher Tests the Ferrari 599 HGTE


[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO]

Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Race of Champions - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Still think of the Race of Champions as an elitist European event? Think again. Organizers have announced that that the annual face-off is scheduled to head to China this year.

The Race of Champions, for those unfamiliar, is a year-end event in which the top drivers from various motorsport disciplines - including F1, rally, touring cars, Le Mans...even motorbikes, drifting or the occasional NASCAR pretty-boy - compete against each other in a series of heats on varied machinery around a dedicated track built inside a major sports arena. The event crowns two winners: the solo Champion of Champions, and the Nations Cup in which drivers pair up to represent their home countries. After a decade in the Canary Islands, the race was held for three consecutive seasons at the Stade de France before moving to Wembley Stadium for the past two years, but a new arrangement will see this year's race held in Beijing at the Bird's Nest stadium built for last year's Olympic games. Previous champions have been predominantly rally drivers (including three titles for Sebastien Loeb and two for Mattias Ekstrom), while Germany's contingent of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel have taken the national honors. Who will be crowned champion this year? Tune in on November 3-4, only two days after the Formula One season wraps up in Abu Dhabi (assuming they can get the Yas Island circuit ready in time) to find out.

[Source: F1-Live]

Red Flag: Race of Champions moves to China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 race of champions2009 roc2009RaceOfChampions2009Rocbeijingbirds nestBirdsNestchampionschinaloebmichael schumacherMichaelSchumachermotorsportmotorsportsnations cupNationsCupracerace of championsRaceOfChampionsracingrocschumachersebastian vettelSebastianVettelsebastien loebSebastienLoebstade de franceStadeDeFrancevettelwembleywembley stadiumWembleyStadiumFri, 17 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda F1 Roundup: Brawn, Schumacher and Ferrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/honda-f1-roundup-brawn-schumacher-and-ferrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/honda-f1-roundup-brawn-schumacher-and-ferrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/honda-f1-roundup-brawn-schumacher-and-ferrari/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



F1 teams change hands all the time, but when a major manufacturer pulls out of the sport, it's bound to trigger a rumor mill of tsunamic proportions. And that's exactly what's been going on in the motorsport press following Honda's announcement to cancel its F1 program.

First came rumors that Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim was to buy the team, but those reports were later denied. Ferrari, meanwhile, has confirmed discussions with Ross Brawn, formerly the Scuderia's technical director and now head of the Honda F1, over the prospect of supplying engines to the team if and when a new buyer is found. (Last year Ferrari supplied both Toro Rosso and Force India, but the latter has switched to Mercedes for the upcoming season.) Brawn and his colleague Nick Fry are reportedly speaking to a number of potential buyers (Prodrive's David Richards possibly still among them), but while the asking price for the team must be lower than usual given the economy and Honda's motivation to sell, sources don't expect the list includes any automakers. (For our part, we wouldn't be surprised to see Hyundai make an offer.) Some reports suggested that Michael Schumacher - with whom Brawn built a close relationship during their tenure at Ferrari, and who races occasionally with Honda on two wheels - could get involved, but Schumi's own spokespeople have denied the rumors. For his part, Brawn has stated his number one priority is securing the jobs of the team's many employees, but even that might prove to be a tall order during these troubled times.

[Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty]

Honda F1 Roundup: Brawn, Schumacher and Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawnbrawn honda ferraribrawn schumacherBrawnHondaFerrariBrawnSchumacherferrarihondahonda f1honda ferrariHondaF1HondaFerrariross brawnRossBrawnschumacherschumacher hondaSchumacherHondascuderia ferrariscuderia hondaScuderiaFerrariScuderiaHondaWed, 14 Jan 2009 06:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Not again! Schumi involved in another accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/#commentsFiled under:

We all know that Formula One pilots drive their cars to the very edge of their limits. What separates the godlike from the rest of the field of extremely talented drivers, however, is how close they can get to the edge without going over it. Go too far and you crash. Don't go far enough and lose. Michael Schumacher certainly falls into that rare category - tops it, even - of the exceedingly talented and accomplished, but lately, we've begun to wonder if the unprecedented seven-time world champion hasn't lost it.

Following the rumors from just a couple of days ago that Schumacher had totaled a Ferrari 430 Scuderia prototype on the Nurburgring (turns out it could have been another test driver) comes word that Shumi was involved in a traffic collision on public roads in England. A car dealer in Kent, England, reports to have been hit by a Fiat van, only to discover that it was the champion himself driving. Sound incredible? Both local police and Schumacher's spokesperson confirmed it was him. Michael reportedly cooperated with police who turned up at the scene, handed over his insurance information and was then picked up and disappeared. Thanks for the tip, AV!

[Source: BBC News, Image: Bongarts/Getty]

Not again! Schumi involved in another accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>schumacherschumacher accidentschumacher crashschumacher crash fiat van englandSchumacherAccidentSchumacherCrashSchumacherCrashFiatVanEnglandThu, 31 Jul 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Schumacher totals Ferrari prototype at Nurburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/report-schumacher-totals-ferrari-prototype-at-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/report-schumacher-totals-ferrari-prototype-at-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/report-schumacher-totals-ferrari-prototype-at-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click to see Schumi unveiling the 430 Scuderia at Frankfurt '07

Reports from the world of motorsport indicate that Michael Schumacher has totaled a new Ferrari prototype at the nefarious Nurburgring Nordschleiffe. According to the reports, Ferrari had rented out the track for the day when the team's former champion took out the test mule based on the 430 Scuderia that Schumacher himself helped develop. Just days after taking laps around Fiorano in the new California and presenting it to dealers in Maranello, Schumacher reportedly went off the damp track at over 250 km/h (155 mph) at the high-speed Schwedenkruz corner and hit a guard rail, severely damaging the car and forcing the test crew to switch to a second vehicle. Sources suggested that Schumacher had his son Mick riding shotgun at the time of the crash, however alternative reports suggest that factory test driver Raffaele DeSimone was driving, with Schumacher riding shotgun.

Although no official word has been given, it would seem that Schumacher escaped the incident uninjured, rendering the outcome of his shunt on "the Green Hell" better than that of his predecessor Niki Lauda, who nearly did in a fiery crash on the track some 32 years ago. As to what the prototype was being used to develop, however, is up to speculation: it could be the successor to the F430 or a new supercar to replace the discontinued Enzo.

[Source: F1-Live]

REPORT: Schumacher totals Ferrari prototype at Nurburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of Schumacher and the California

Michael Schumacher may have departed the Formula One grid, but he has most definitely not left Ferrari. The seven-time world champion, widely credited with building Ferrari into the power house it is today, still comes around the paddock at various tracks around the world to give the Prancing Horse's latest creations - whether racing cars or road vehicles - a healthy dose of Schuey-trademarked punishment.

After having been intimately involved with the development of the 430 Scuderia - proclaimed as the fastest road-going Ferrari ever to lap the company's private circuit - Schumacher returned to Fiorano to give his input on Maranello's newest offering, the California. And while his opinion is hardly impartial, he certainly knows what he's talking about and his impressions were glowing. Speaking to the conference of Ferrari dealers assembled at the factory, Schumacher proclaimed that "the Ferrari California is very much a Grand Tourer in terms of its usability and high level of interior comfort, it is still surprisingly sporty and fun to drive under any kind of conditions." You could try arguing with him, but you'd probably end up losing - like most of the drivers that have ever tried to go wheel-to-wheel with the most decorated driver in history. Click below to view the images in our high-resolution gallery, and follow the jump to view the video and press release.

Gallery: Schumacher and the Ferrari California


[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Schumacher fine-tunes the Ferrari California (w/VIDEO)

Schumacher fine-tunes the Ferrari California (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Race of Champions is scheduled to return to its new home at London's Wembley Stadium on December 14th. For those unfamiliar, the annual event pits a host of the best racing drivers in the world against each other on carefully-calibrated equal terms. The event is split between the solo competition and the nations' cup, the latter in which countries send their two best drivers to claim the honors for their homeland.

Last year's event saw DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom defeat Schumacher in the final rounds, after the two (pictured at right) made minced meat out of the rest of the field in a variety of vehicles including the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24, Ford Focus RS WRC, Fiat Grande Punto S2000 Abarth, an Opel/Vauxhall-based Solution F touring car and a purpose-built sprint car. This year retired seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher is set to return, teaming up with rookie driver Sebastian Vettel again for Team Germany. So far only Schumacher and Vettel have confirmed their participation for 2008 - last year Travis Pastrana valiantly held down the fort for Team USA on his own - but more are sure to join as the date approaches. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2007 Race of Champions

[Source: Auto Express]

Schumacher confirmed to return for 2008 Race of Champions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click on the image for more high-res shots of the Schuberth Race helmet

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher doesn't seem to have any desire to take it easy after retiring from the pinnacle of motorsports. It turns out that his four-wheeled racing excellence has translated rather nicely to two, and it sounds as if the ex-champ's perfectionist attitude continues on unabated as he now begins designing helmets for Schuberth. The German producer of brain buckets had previously supplied the headgear for Schumacher as he raced in F1 and currently provides the units for Ralf Schumacher, Nick Heidfeld, Felipe Massa, Kimi Räikkönen and Mark Webber. Though no details regarding pricing or availability have been released as of yet, Schuberth assures that its new 'Schuberth Race' helmet is "an extremely lightweight and aerodynamic helmet, filled with numerous technical and safety innovations." From the looks of things, the helmet, with its orange and grey highlights, would be perfect mounted atop a KTM rider's head.

Gallery: Schumacher Schuberth Helmet


[Source: Schuberth]

Continue reading Michael Schumacher making motorcycle helmets now

Michael Schumacher making motorcycle helmets now originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ktmmichael schumachermichael-schumacherMichaelSchumacherschuberthschuberth helmetschuberth helmetsschuberth-helmetschuberth-helmetsSchuberthHelmetSchuberthHelmetsschumacherMon, 12 May 2008 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Schumacher fills in at Ducati test, Raikkonen could be next]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/schumacher-fills-in-at-ducati-test-raikkonen-could-be-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/schumacher-fills-in-at-ducati-test-raikkonen-could-be-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/schumacher-fills-in-at-ducati-test-raikkonen-could-be-next/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Actions speak louder than words. Surely a multiple world champion driver like Michael Schumacher would appreciate such a principal, yet the retired Formula One driver continues to proclaim that he has no intention of competing in MotoGP despite his actions suggesting otherwise. After bringing you previous reports of Schumacher dazzling the crowds at various motorcycle races, comes news that Schumi was called up by the Ducati team to fill in for its injured test driver. The Italian motorcycle racing team was in the middle of a three-day test session when its official test rider Vittoriano Guareschi was injured after falling off his bike, precluding him from continuing with the tests. Rather than call on any of what surely must be a long list of eager and experienced motorcyclists to take Guareschi's place, Ducati called Michael and asked him to step in.

Meanwhile Schumacher's successor at Ferrari, reigning world champion and current points leader Kimi Raikkonen, an experienced motocross rider, uncharacteristically commented at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix that he'd like to follow in Schumacher's footpegs and try out a MotoGP racing bike, however Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali put the brakes on the prospect for the time being by commenting that Kimi has enough on his hands focusing on defending his title on four wheels.

[Source: F1-Live and Autosport]

Schumacher fills in at Ducati test, Raikkonen could be next originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrari motogpferrari motorbikeferrari motorcycleFerrariMotogpFerrariMotorbikeFerrariMotorcycleraikkonenraikkonen ducatiraikkonen motogpraikkonen motorbikeraikkonen motorcycleRaikkonenDucatiRaikkonenMotogpRaikkonenMotorbikeRaikkonenMotorcycleschumacherschumacher ducatischumacher motogpschumacher raikkonen motogpSchumacherDucatiSchumacherMotogpSchumacherRaikkonenMotogpMon, 07 Apr 2008 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Schumacher back on two wheels for pro bike race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/01/schumacher-back-on-two-wheels-for-pro-bike-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/01/schumacher-back-on-two-wheels-for-pro-bike-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/01/schumacher-back-on-two-wheels-for-pro-bike-race/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Michael Schumacher made an auspicious motorcycle racing debut at the Misano track in Italy on Sunday. The race was the seven-time F1 champion's first professional competition on two wheels, following last week's amateur event in Hungary.

The short ten-lap event was run on 990cc KTM Super Duke motorbikes, on which Schumacher managed to qualify third and finish an impressive fourth, having dropped down to 14th and fought his way back up through the field. Schumacher was quick to assert, however, that this was a casual pursuit and not the start of a second career. Cautious reservations aside, we wouldn't be surprised to see the champ sporadically climb back onto various two-wheeled racing machines for the occasional race here or there.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by STR/AFP/Getty]

Schumacher back on two wheels for pro bike race originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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