Ecclestone Defends Schumacher's Dominance

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has told fans to lay off World Champion Michael Schumacher - and instead admire his record-breaking success after hailing him as the superstar the sport needed.

Ferrari driver Schumacher is on course to equal his record of 11 race victories in a season in this weekend's German Grand Prix after winning all but one of the Grands Prix so far. Ecclestone claimed that the German driver's dominance is not ruining the sport.

"Michael is a superstar," he said. "That is exactly what we wanted - every sport needs a superstar and he is ours. Everybody tries to beat him and that is great publicity for Formula One. He is lucky to drive for a team that supports him the way Ferrari does but it was Michael who motivated them after their initial problems."

Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996, turning them from also-rans to unbeatable World Champions within just four seasons. They could secure their sixth consecutive world title on Sunday.

"He helped improve them and get to where they are now. It is hard to know whether another driver in the same position would have the same effect," Ecclestone added.

Schumacher will take to the track to the clatter of air-horns when he begins the first morning practice session on Friday and his home fans are expecting another relentless charge to the chequered flag come Sunday.

There is little to suggest he will not rattle off victory in the remaining seven races of the season and his success has left even BAR-Honda team boss David Richards admitting he is a cut above the rest.

"Michael Schumacher is the perfect racing driver," said Richards. "He deserves admiration. People say that at the moment he is a threat to Formula One - but he is not the problem. It is up to the other drivers to beat him."