Grapevine: Schumacher Inspired by Manchester United

World Champion Michael Schumacher used England Premiership champions Manchester United as his inspiration following his early season struggles, his Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has said.

German Schumacher, favourite to win this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, endured his worst start to a Formula One season after failing to finish on the podium in the opening three races.

But he returned to winning ways in the San Marino Grand Prix and followed that success with victories in Spain and Austria. Brawn, a keen Manchester United supporter, revealed Schumacher used the Old Trafford club's fightback to win the Premiership as his inspiration.

"When we were struggling at the start of the year it was just about the time United were really starting to motor as they came after Arsenal," Brawn told the Daily Mirror. "What they did is just a good example that when a team, a good team, is faced with a big challenge, they find something extra from within and Manchester United did that.

"It looked hopeless for them around Christmas time and then they turned it around and we took inspiration from that. It was very good to see how they came back against some very strong opposition. It just shows how a determined group of people can do the business when they want to.

"What they did impressed Michael a great deal. Everyone knows he loves football and I spoke to him about United. It struck a chord with him."

Five-time champion Schumacher is currently four points behind championship leader Kimi Raikkonen, of McLaren-Mercedes, but could return to the top of the standings after the Montreal race.