16.11.2009

Difficult Saturday (part 2)

The guy who wanted to re-learn the job as racing driver: in 2009, his second DTM season, Schumacher wanted to up the ante. From the touring-car apprentice to the journeyman. An interim balance in two parts.

Still extremely popular with the fans: Ralf Schumacher

His best race of the 2009 season to date, says Schumacher on the DTM Saturday in Dijon-Prenois, was the one at the Norisring. Once again, his eighth grid position didn’t really reflect his full competitiveness. Actually, it would have been the first time this year that he advanced to Q4. “Unfortunately, I drove too many laps,” Schumacher says grinning, “Otherwise I could have made it to the first row.” But he completes 10 laps instead of the eight that are allowed, his lap times are disallowed - and he has to make do with eighth position on the grid. In the race, however, the former Formula 1 ace works his way up. As he uses to do, this season. This time he gains two positions to finish sixth. His ground-winning average prior to the season finale at Hockenheim: 3.9 positions per race. Altogether, he gains 35 positions over the course of the season. Clearly more than any other driver on the DTM grid.

”Actually, I’m rather happy with my development in the 2009 season,” Ralf Schumacher reveals, “Although I have to admit that this development wasn’t always reflected by my results. If you look at my team-mates you can see that I often failed to make optimum use of the car’s potential. That’s something I have to keep on working on.”
One day after this analysis, the German delivers. And scores his championship points six to nine. In the race on Sunday, he does even better that at the Norisring. He finishes fifth, thus securing his best DTM race result so far.

The reason for this success: for the first time, he experienced a trouble-free qualifying session and delivered in every stage. Consequently, Norbert Haug praises: “Ralf just delivered at Dijon. Other than others. Gary Paffett, for instance, chose the right tyres but went out at the wrong point in time for his tyre choice. Or vice versa. To deliver in this world-class field while being under pressure - that’s something you have to be respected for.” For Mercedes-Benz and DTM, Ralf Schumacher is worth his weight in gold, anyway. “He is a true DTM Ambassador,” adds Haug. “Nobody signs more autographs or is interviewed as often. And you can see: It’s far more for him than just a duty. He acts from conviction.”

So why is top-class touring-car racing so attractive for Schumacher? “The environment is just fantastic,” says the German residing in Austria. “You just feel comfortable in DTM. In addition, cooperating with Mercedes-Benz also is big fun. I’ve got great team-mates, there, and other than in Formula 1 they are ready to share their findings. That’s a truly cooperative approach. And the racing also is great. In DTM you have got a tough competition, offering you the chance of proving your skills while battling it out with the best touring-car drivers.”

All this sounds as if we will see Ralf Schumacher again, on the 2010 DTM grid. So, will the deal be extended? “It’s far too early to say,” answers Schumacher, “But I think that both parties have made clear that they are interested in continuing the cooperation. We will meet in January or February to discuss the issue.”

Should the deal be extended, there would be ten more chances of celebrating the first DTM win. How much money would Schumacher bet on such a success. “Nothing. I don’t like betting. At this point in time I would be happy with securing a podium finish in DTM. And doing so will remain my goal.”