Riccardo Patrese believes Michael Schumacher is not the same anymore – Formula 1 news
Riccardo Patrese has said that Michael Schumacher is not the same driver he once was.
Patrese was part of the sport from 1977 to 1993, while Schumacher entered the sport in 1991. Schumacher left the sport at the end of 2006 and returned to the sport again after three years to join Mercedes.
Since the German’s return some critics have said that he is not the same force he once was. That may be true but most would confirm that he has true class and that cannot be taken away from him.
The seven-time world champion is most certainly in the sport bidding for an 8th world title and nothing less.
Schumacher is partnered by fellow countryman Nico Rosberg who has been able to perform better than him in the past two seasons. Rosberg said that he looks forward to maintain that feat. Schumacher though is not flustered by this and remains focused on the
bigger prize.
“Michael raced against drivers like Senna, Mansell and myself and proved immediately that he could be competitive and better,” the Italian wrote on his personal website.
“Now we have drivers like Hamilton and Vettel who look very good but I don't think they are better than Senna, Mansell or the drivers that were around when Michael started in F1, so I think Michael is a little below the level of performance compared to his
very best,” he added.
Schumacher earlier said that he will analyse his future plans at the end of the 2012 season. He added that he will see if Mercedes is going in the right direction towards winning a world title and only if he feels that he is able to compete at this level
and have the car to make it happen will he extend his career into 2013.
So far during the second pre-season test Schumacher has shown good pace and reliability with the new car. Schumacher set a better time than his teammate Rosberg, which suggests that the veteran will give his all to leave a mark in the upcoming season.
The season begins on March 18, 2012 with the Australian Grand Prix.
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