Veterans debate Ferrari decline

Wed, 8 November 2006, 09:47

A trio of former grand prix drivers are split on whether they think Ferrari can shine in the post-Schumacher era.

Marc Surer, who contested 87 formula one races in the 80s, observed that seven time world champion Michael Schumacher’s successor – Kimi Raikkonen – is not renowned for his skills in developing a car.

“I think Kimi needs a ready-made team,” the Swiss told German-language newspaper Motorsport Aktuell, “but if he gets his hands on a fast Ferrari then he can win races and championships.”

The German veteran of 74 grands prix in the 70s, meanwhile – Hans-Joachim Stuck – said Kimi’s new tenure will be a ‘hard test’ for the Finn, with Maranello based Ferrari also losing long time technical director Ross Brawn.

Driver of 36 races in the 80s, Christian Danner, added: “I am convinced that the unbeatable Ferrari of Schumacher’s day is gone.”

Current Toyota racer Jarno Trulli, however, predicted good times for Raikkonen in 2007, observing that ‘even (Kimi’s teammate Felipe) Massa can win with the current Ferrari’.

“I don’t think the departure of Schumacher or Brawn will change much,” the 32-year-old Italian told sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.

GMMF1
DailyF1News.com

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