Schumacher: you learn from experience

Michael Schumacher has returned to the subject of the race in Zeltweg, which was the centre of much discussion in the media. There are many who did not agree with Ferrarri's decision to ask Rubens Barrichello to let Michael by, just before the chequered flag.

"I know that our position regarding team orders can at times be difficult to explain," said Michael. "But you just have to think about it. It has to be said that we did not invent this type of thing. In Formula 1 there have always been lots of other teams who used these methods before us."

Michael repeated his opinion that Rubens deserved the win. "He was the best driver on the track. I had asked myself if we needed to take this course of action given the championship situation is in our favour and that our car, along with the Bridgestone tyres is very competitive. All I can do is repeat that nothing is certain in this sport."

"For example, I could have problems with the car and might not always finish in the points. In two or three races, the situation could be different, even if at the moment it does not seem to be the case. And yet, I remember that in 1998, by the summer we managed to close on the McLaren which had dominated the early part of the season in the way we are doing now."

"Ferrari has learnt the hard way from three world titles lost by the slimmest of margins. They were bitter moments. Since then, we try to avoid a repetition of that situation and so, when one driver appears to have a clearly better chance of winning the title, we try and ease that process. It also happens in cycling for example. One must accept that sometimes one must take difficult decisions."

-ferrari-