Ralf as quick as Michael says Williams

Frank Williams believes Ralf Schumacher is just as quick as brother Michael, although Schumacher Senior's advantage is that he never lets his attention stray from racing. Williams concedes that Ralf did get a bit of a talking to when his form was erratic earlier this year, but his troubles were as much off track as on it. The German media were giving Ralf a hard time about his personal life and the younger Schumacher found it difficult.

Now, however, he seems to have put his troubles behind him and with a steadily improving car Ralf is driving confidently. "The car has become better and better all season and now it's close to being a regular winner," Williams told BBC radio.

"Ralf was inconsistent last year and the same was the case this year. Yes, we had a word with him, but he [already] knew he was having troubles away from the circuit rather than on it. I don't really know [the whole truth]," Williams added. "I'll never know, and I don't really care as long as he maintains his current form."

"Ralf's form is real. The guy has always been as quick as his brother. Maybe his attention to F1 diminishes unlike that of his brother when he walks away from a race or a test which is the same with all Grand Prix drivers except dear old Michael, which is why Michael is so difficult to beat. But Ralf is as quick as you'll ever get in a car."

The team boss also said that Juan Pablo Montoya is not happy at being overshadowed by Ralf, but he expects the Colombian will get over it: "Juan is upset for himself that he just can't seem to beat Ralf currently," he commented. "But that won't be like that for long. There are days when he can beat Ralf. Juan is a brilliantly competitive driver -- all you'd ever want in a racer long before he steps into the car."

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?

Take our 5 minute survey.

- The Motorsport.com Team

Read and post comments