Schumacher says brother Ralf is not a threat - yet
Formula 1 World Championship points-leader Michael Schumacher says the form of Canadian Grand Prix winner and younger brother Ralf is too inconsistent to be a threat to his world title hopes this year - but he has not ruled out the Williams ace mounting a serious challenge in the future
The Schumacher brothers scored a Formula 1 first in Montreal by notching up a one-two finish, with Ralf beating Ferrari ace Michael outright to take his second victory this year.
The pace of the Williams-BMWs of Schumacher Jr and team mate Juan Pablo Montoya has been the surprise of 2001, but the pair have only reached the finish line four times from 16 starts.
Schuey Sr believes the Williams team must iron out its inconsistent finishing form if it is to raise its game enough to rejoin the ranks of 'big guns' Ferrari and McLaren at the top.
"Ralf has a good package," said Schumacher, "and he's in a car which can win. But it still has too many ups and downs to be consistent enough to win the championship. That's why David [Coulthard] is my main rival."
Although driver error has played a part in the Williams cars not reaching the chequered flag, reliability has also been a problem and the Grove-based team suffered three engine failures during testing at Silverstone on Wednesday. But despite the problems, Schumacher is sure his brother will win again this year.
"He can still win this season," said Schumacher, "when everything is just right. But it's not going to affect my fight for the championship. In the future, maybe it will be different."
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