Weber defends Schumacher brothers

Willi Weber, manager of both Michael and Ralf Schumacher, has defended the brothers after the recent criticism the pair have faced. Michael has had a rough time with the media after failing to claim a podium finish in the first two races. Weber says the elder Schumacher is still the best and will bounce back.

"People are saying so many things about Michael that are not true," Weber told the UK's Sunday Mirror. "He is not feeling any pressure. He made a mistake in Malaysia -- end of story. Every driver makes mistakes but, when Michael does, it's a big deal."

"He is still the best driver in the world and he has the best team and the best car. The best way he can answer all this criticism is to win in Brazil and then everybody will be saying again that Michael is the king."

"Some people are never satisfied. Last year, when he was winning all the time, they said he was too good and that it was too easy for him. They said he was a machine, and that they wanted Formula One to be more interesting."

"Now it is interesting again and still they complain. What do they want? It is early in the season and everyone is learning to cope with the new regulations. That may take a little time, but Ferrari will get it right and Michael will be back on top again. I have absolutely no doubts about that."

Ralf, meanwhile, has been upset by claims made in the German media about his personal life, prior to the Malaysian Grand Prix. He recovered well from qualifying seventeenth to finish fourth in the race but Weber said he was affected by the situation.

"It was very difficult for Ralf," the manager explained. "Inside the car he is fine, but all the stuff outside is a different matter. He can't just cut it out when newspaper stories say he is gay and his wife is having an affair. Then they apologise and say there was a mistake. What the hell do they think they are doing to the guy? He is a human being -- of course it affected him."

"In the circumstances, he drove an excellent race in Malaysia. I know he can beat (team-mate Juan Pablo) Montoya and win races. He is 100 per cent motivated and will show what he can do. He is definitely a world champion of the future. It's just that, like any driver, he needs the equipment. Hopefully, that will come."

Weber also denied that he was lining up a drive with Toyota for Ralf in 2004, saying he thought Toyota would be a good team in the future but would prefer Ralf to stay at Williams longer. He shed no further light on Michael's situation with Ferrari, only saying that the champion had not yet discussed details of his contract beyond 2004.

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