Michael Defends Ralf for Canadian GP Performance

World Champion Michael Schumacher has jumped to the defence of brother Ralf after the Williams bosses admitted they were surprised their driver did not try to overtake the Ferrari star for victory at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Ferrari number one Schumacher claimed the 68th victory of his career in Montreal after getting ahead of Ralf, who started the race from pole position, in the opening round of pitstops.

Despite having what seemed to be a quicker car, Ralf was unable to get close enough to his brother as he trailed him for the remainder of the race, eventually coming home in second place.

"People should stop criticising my brother," Schumacher told Blick newspaper. "But he had no chance against me because I watched and he could not get his car alongside me at the end of the long straights. In Canada you cannot overtake."

Williams technical director Patrick Head admitted he even contemplated asking Ralf Schumacher to move aside and let teammate Juan Pablo Montoya challenge for victory.