Michael Schumacher admits to have signed a test driver contract – Formula 1 news
Michael Schumacher, who retired after his last race at the Interlagos circuit last weekend, has admitted that he has signed a test driver contract.
“I have signed a contract and will be active as a test driver,” Schumacher said.
The German driver also added that the number seven has been quite significant throughout this F1 career.
“It's strange that I finished my career with a seventh place finish - that's how it started, with seventh in my first qualifying (at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix),” he said. “And with seven World titles: the number was a good ending.”
During the title deciding Brazilian Grand Prix this Sunday, Schumacher allowed Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, who also happens to be a German, to overtake him and take the sixth position. As Vettel became the youngest triple champion, the older driver has
appreciated him saying that Vettel is a smart driver and understands what is needed to win. He said that just like him, the Red Bull driver has learnt from his rivals and improved his racing strategies.
Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, has welcomed Schumacher’s decision to let Vettel pass as a positive gesture given that he is known to be a tough driver. Vettel has also stated that he should not be compared to Schumacher as his records are still
far way for him to be broken.
As soon as Schumacher had announced his retirement from F1, Pirelli tyres had made the offer to him of becoming a test driver for them given that he is interested. Pirelli motorsport director, Paul Hembery, had stated that there could not be any other driver
with more accurate knowledge of tyres than Schumacher. However, the retiring driver has not confirmed with whom he has signed the contract.
This is not Schumacher’s first retirement as he had done it once before at the end of 2006 exiting from Ferrari. He joined the sport again in 2010 with a three-year contract with Mercedes in hopes of becoming the world champion for the eighth time but could
not achieve that dream.
Schumacher is retiring after a long career and is thankful for the support of his fans.
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