Schumacher Wary of Formula One Split

Michael Schumacher has warned Formula One's rulers that a split may not be good for the sport, and suggested they look hard at the American IndyCar series as they consider their future plans.

The current world champion recalled how the American series split into ChampCars and the Indy Racing League back in the mid-1990s, but cagily suggested that a similar situation in Formula One is not out of the question.

"There have been experiences in other series," said Schumacher, referring to the IndyCar split. "It happened there and it did not make the situation easier. Actually, it made it more complicated.

"Obviously, the manufacturers are interested in this kind of development," he continued. "But we have to see if it works.

"For me, Formula One is doing well and there is not a real need to make a big change."

Schumacher's comments come only a few days after the leading carmakers in Formula One announced they are set to create a new series to rival Grand Prix racing, following their fears that the purchase by Germany's Kirch group and EM.TV of 75 percent of SLEC - the company which owns the commercial rights of the sport - could lead to pay-per-view coverage.