Audi Offer Schumacher Le Mans Drive

[Jay (Team Cannonball)]

Check this out:-

http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/061019102459.shtml

[Paddy_NL]

yuck

[Martini...LB]

If that is the case I think I will have to sell my Audi... and my wife's...

>Martini...

[Ferrari Spider]

Fantastic, all the more reason to go, a fully fledged racing driver, lets hope it all comes together.

[il Cavallino]

If he wrecks his own R10 and the one in first/second place in an attempt to push his competition off and win Le Mans, why not give him a go. But unfortunately Audi is bringing more then two next year, aren't they?

[Paddy_NL]

To me it's more the whole hype around the man, it just doesn't suit Le Mans!

[neilsie]

I welcome it if it does happen.  it will bring a higher profile to the sport which means more money/tv coverage to follow.  And then more money maybe plowed back into the sport and circuits themselves.

btw M Schumacher has raced at Le mans before, for Mercedes in the late 80's as part of their junior squad.

[Snoring Rhino]

I welcome it if it does happen.  it will bring a higher profile to the sport which means more money/tv coverage to follow.  And then more money maybe plowed back into the sport and circuits themselves.

btw M Schumacher has raced at Le mans before, for Mercedes in the late 80's as part of their junior squad.

Yes, and then the LM series will end up like F1, only interested in the big Corporate money with the inevitable consquence of distancing it from the fans just like F1.

[oldtimer]

Ian I understand your sentiment but I don't think it will come to that.  If the German one does get a Le Mans drive I suspect it will be a one off.  I can't really see him, or any other ex-F1 prima donna (rather than simply ex-F1 drivers) staying in Sportscars for the long term.

Personally, having seen Herr S race at La Sarthe in the Mercedes Junor team I would be absolutely thrilled to see him race there again.  Love him or loathe him you can't deny (if you were lucky enough to be there to see it) his pace at Le Mans was fantastic.

One year of 'full media frenzy' at Le Mans would be a good thing in my opinion.

[fagey]

Yup have to agree.. even though I dont like the dude.. he was very quick at le mans.. like panzers through france in 1940

[termietermite]

Not sure that a sport where he has to rely on and respect his fellow drivers in the car will suit him.  Having been to the DTM meeting at the weekend, think it would be more to his liking.  Hope so.

When I told Mr Termite this news he just roared with laughter - think that was a sensible reaction on reflection - stops me feeling too depressed by the prospect.

I think Herr Ulrich must be a bit depressed after Mercedes cleaned up at the circuit Audi seem to be trying to take over.

[rcutler]

Schumacher has qouted in most of this morning's papers that he will NOT be taking up audi's offer. So Martini you can keep both the cars even thought you probably were hoping for reason to change!

[termietermite]

Schumacher has qouted in most of this morning's papers that he will NOT be taking up audi's offer. So Martini you can keep both the cars even thought you probably were hoping for reason to change!

Phew.  Can calm down again now.

[neilsie]

Yes, and then the LM series will end up like F1, only interested in the big Corporate money with the inevitable consquence of distancing it from the fans just like F1.

...as happened with Group C racing.  This was also caused by rules, lack of sponsorship, turmoil of competing bodies and race series etc etc.  It became quite farcical with I cant quite remember which year, but only about 26 cars taking the LM grid (1992/3?)

[termietermite]

28 cars in 1992 of which only 14 finished. Warwick, Blundell and Dalmas won but they must have felt it was a hollow victory in the circs.
Anorak off.