Published on: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 |
ISTANBUL: Ferrari team chief Jean Todt has angrily rejected claims made by Bernie Ecclestone suggesting that Michael Schumacher (pic) will retire at the end of this year.
Frenchman Todt, sporting director of Ferrari and architect of the team's unequalled successes, said that Ecclestone knew nothing about Schumacher or his decision-making.
In the wake of a tumultuous Turkish Grand Prix at the Istanbul Speed Park on Sunday, where Schumacher was beaten into third place by just a half a car's length by title rival and defending champion Fernando Alonso, Todt made it clear that he was upset.
Though he was delighted to see Brazilian Felipe Massa claim his maiden Grand prix victory for Ferrari on a day when the Italian team overcame Renault's challenge, he was determined to put the record straight.
Ecclestone had told German television during the weekend that he believed Schumacher had decided already to hang up his helmet at the end of this season - so pre-empting Ferrari's planned announcement of their plans for 2007 due to be anounced at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September.
"Michael is always competitive, but he has probably already decided to retire," Ecclestone told the German Premiere television company.
Todt responded angrily. "I tell you something," he said. "Bernie Ecclestone does not have a single element to judge what Michael has decided.
"You know, he has a good know-how about racing, but Michael joined Ferrari in 1996 and one day he will decide to stop. When the day arrives we will let you know."
Todt also corrected a widespread paddock rumour, virtually a belief, that Ecclestone was the man who masterminded Schumacher's original move to Ferrari in 1995.
"Bernie never knew and never made anything for Michael to join Ferrari. Never," said Todt. "Very often I have been reading that it was organised through Bernie, which is complete nonsense. It is not true.
"When we announced Michael, it was in August 1995 and I called Bernie just before to inform him. This is just to clarify the thing.
"The important thing is that Michael is driving, but Bernie does not have any idea whether Michael will be driving in the future - or not."
Todt was less direct about his team's plans and Schumacher's decision on retirement, following his defeat by Alonso in a race won by team-mate Massa.- AFP
