Schumacher in favour of driver aids return

Many critics of the plan to bring traction control and automatic gearboxes back into the sport at the Spanish Grand Prix on April 29 say that they will allow mediocre drivers to perform on level terms with the true aces of the sport. But speaking at last week's Marlboro-backed ski weekend in Italy, triple champion Schumacher insisted that it would not be the case.

"I don't think that it will be a disadvantage for the better drivers," said the Ferrari number one. "In certain areas at the moment, the cars are compromised and cannot be brought to the limit. With electronics you can bring them to the limit, which I prefer.

"As the situation stands at the moment, I am in favour of traction control: why would it reduce the drivers' skill?"

The German also refuted suggestions that aerodynamic modifications for 2001, which include front wings set 50mm higher and rear wings restricted to just three sections, would make the cars more difficult to drive.

"The changes will of course have some effect, and on circuits where you need more downforce they will reduce the lap times," he said. "But I don't see radical changes on techniques and driving styles."

Schumacher also believes that in F1's upcoming tyre war, Bridgestone will have the early advantage over newcomers Michelin. Ferrari, along with McLaren and winter testing revelations BAR, are among the teams that will remain on Bridgestone rubber in 2001.

"There will be strong competition between Bridgestone and Michelin, as both are very strong," he said. "But I think the Japanese will have the advantage, at least for this year, and especially for the beginning of it. Then we will see what happens after that. But in general, I like having more manufacturers involved."

With speculation rife that Ferrari team principal Jean Todt could retire at the end of the 2001 season, and rumours circulating that Schumacher himself could leave the Prancing Horse at the end of his current contract, he took time out to comment on both topics.

"Sure, Jean is one of the most important people at Ferrari," he said. "But as far as I can see, he is very keen on staying.

Talking of his own future, Schumacher said: "I have always said that I am feeling very good with Ferrari. My contract still runs two years, so it's too early to say anything about that. There's no need for any speculation. I am very happy as it is now, and if we keep on winning I probably would say 'never change a winning team'.

"I simply have to see what the future of Ferrari is," he added. "If I know that, then I know if it is my future."

After an enforced absence from the cockpit, due to the removal of a steel pin from his leg in December - the final legacy of his leg-breaking Silverstone accident in 1999 - Schumacher will test for Ferrari in Barcelona on January 23/24.