Ferrari has pumped in another $26 million to boost Michael Schumacher’s charge for an eighth world championship in 2006.
Buoyed by the German’s dominance at Indianapolis, Jean Todt convinced his backers to bolster this year’s Ferrari budget, according to major German newspaper ‘Bild’.
At Jerez last Friday, in preparation for the upcoming French grand prix, the 37-year-old racer set a new test lap record with a rejuvenated car. Although Ross Brawn insists that it is not a ‘B’ specification, the heavily revised ‘248’ features a new engine cover, front wing and engine, packing an extra 20 hp.
The tabloid daily also described new Bridgestone tyres for Magny Cours as ‘super-rubber’, and said team principal Todt had asked Ferrari staff to work extra shifts at Maranello to implement the upgrade.
With eight races to run this season, Schumacher is 19 points behind Renault rival Fernando Alonso.
”I don’t know whether my victory at Indy was representative of the next races,” Schumacher was quoted as saying, ”but I am convinced that we have taken a step forward.
”Our goal is still to win the championship title.”
His personal manager, Willi Weber, added: ”Michael has the best tyres, the stronger mind, and Ferrari are finally developing faster than Renault again. I’m sure he can win.”gmmf1Dailyf1 news.com
