Stuck reacts to Michael Schumacher recent statement

In his recent regular column for the German newspaper BILD, Hans-Joachim Stuck did not mince words in his reaction to comments made by the Formula One 2001 World Champion, Michael Schumacher last week.

Schumacher was stating that open wheels in Formula 1 provide a huge risk for accidents and he says they should be covered. Several accidents this year were caused by locking wheels between drivers. Most have escaped uninjured; except for Luciano Burti at Spa who had to spend the rest of the season out of the cockpit due to his non-serious injuries.

"What the hell is happening to Formula 1? Distance warning systems? Bumpers? And the best: full covering? Maybe there's something wrong with my ears."

Stuck believes there are limits to set for auto racing and that includes Formula One drivers.

"Despite all safety concerns, which of course are absolutely okay and necessary: you have to set certain limits to things at some point!"

"If Schumi really wants to have covered cars - well, then he should drive sportscars in the future, please! The wheels would be covered there - and Schumi would even have a roof above his head..."

"Obviously there are racing drivers, who simply feel better and safer in a sportscar. Like I do for example", he admits. "However, if the same goes for Schumi, too, then he should switch series as soon as possible."

Drastic measures as suggested by Schumacher would take away from the prestige of Formula One and would jeporadize its world wide status.

"Open wheels belong to Formula One just exactly as Ferrari belongs to Italy. Those who don't understand that, should just go and find themselves some new jobs. Formula 1 goes together with risk to a certain extend. There is no Grand Prix without mortal danger - even if that sounds quite hard - it's just as simple as that."

-motorsport.com/dize-