Todt: Schumacher Free to Pull Out of US GP

Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher could be given the chance to pull out of the United States Grand Prix on September 30 by his Ferrari team, the daily Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Monday.

Schumacher, who has a record 52 Formula One wins, had admitted he found it hard to concentrate at Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States.

The four-times World Champion finished fourth in Sunday's race which was won by Williams' Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya.

Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt said Schumacher had been given the option of pulling out of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and while he had opted to race he would not be forced to compete in the future.

"Michael was very disheartened when he arrived here. I asked him if he felt like competing in this race or if he would prefer to stop," said Todt. "At Monza he wanted to do it, but following this we will decide, respecting his opinion. It is he who drives and he who needs to say if he feels like doing it," said Todt.

Schumacher Praised

The Ferrari chief praised Schumacher's performance but admitted the German's feelings were elsewhere on Sunday.

"Michael put in a good race and behaved as a professional but his heart, for diverse reasons was not here on the circuit," said Todt.

Gazzetta said Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer would stand in if Schumacher opted not to compete at Indianapolis. Schumacher claimed his second world title when he won the Hungarian Grand Prix in August although Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has warned the German that the title is officially not his until all the Grands Prix are completed.

"Let's get one thing straight," Ecclestone was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph. "Michael Schumacher is not yet the 2001 world champion. Anything could happen. Maybe he could lose his points over one of the next three races. I'm sure that won't be the case, but it could be..."

Todt also took a swipe at team chiefs who told their drivers to ignore an unofficial drivers' safety accord in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. Schumacher and his Ferrari teammate, Brazilian Rubens Barrichello had initiated an unofficial drivers agreement not to overtake until after the second chicane on the opening lap.

The chicanes had remained fundamentally unchanged despite objections and comments from drivers after last year's tragic race in which a marshal was killed by an accident at the second chicane on the opening lap. Schumacher's proposal had initially been supported by all except Canadian former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve of BAR-Honda.

Rebel Drivers

But later the group of "rebel" drivers grew. After a meeting involving Benetton chief Flavio Briatore, Arrows team principal Tom Walkinshaw and BAR head Craig Pollock, it emerged that their drivers were not expected to obey the 'slow and safe' approach to the opening lap.

Todt said team officials should not have overruled the drivers deal.

"Justifiably the majority of drivers decided on a symbolic gesture for this Grand Prix. Myself and Ferrari backed this initiative 100 percent. It is possible to respect the opinions of a driver, as they are the ones who drive.

"But I have no respect for those who speak in the name of the drivers but have never driven a (Formula One) car."