Taming of the Schu appeals to Hamilton
WORLD champion Lewis Hamilton says it will be “an honour and a privilege” to race against Michael Schumacher when the German legend returns to the track for the European Grand Prix on 23 August.
Schumacher, the seven-time champion, will step in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa for the Valencia race next month with the Brazilian recovering from a fractured skull sustained in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The 40-year-old will be racing in an F1 car for the first time since retiring at the end of the 2006 season and is currently undergoing an intense training programme to acquaint himself with the 2009 machinery.
And Hamilton, who began his fledgling career with McLaren the season after Schumacher quit, can’t wait for the chance to pit his wits against one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“I am excited by the possibility of Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1 assuming it happens, but my thoughts are still with Felipe and his family following his terrible accident in Hungary,” Hamilton said.
“Michael is one of the sport’s greatest competitors and a legend in his own right and it would be great to compete against him.
“The whole world will be watching his return to the cockpit in Valencia and it will not only be fascinating to see how he readies himself for his grand prix comeback but also an honour and a privilege to race against him for the very first time. I wish him well.”
Championship leader Jenson Button also welcomed Schumacher’s return to the track, and expects the German to be competitive despite his three years out.
“It’s a tough position for him to be in but I’m happy he’s taken up the challenge and it’s very brave of him,” Button said. “He’s still young – 40 is not old and he’ll still be competitive. It will be good to have him back out there racing again.”