Williams rubbishes Ralf criticism

Ralf Schumacher came under criticism after the Brazilian Grand Prix for failing to overtake brother Michael in the final stages of the race but team principal Sir Frank Williams dismisses the claims as rubbish. In the closing laps Ralf caught up with Michael but didn't manage to find the pace to overtake in the time that was left. Detractors have said that Ralf lacks the aggression to race against his brother and team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya would have tried a move on Schumacher Sr. given the same situation.

Montoya overtook Michael in the Brazilian GP last year and was applauded by the critics but Williams defended for Ralf not repeating the move as some expected: "The criticism of Ralf is rubbish," he stated. "The difficulty is that last year Montoya passed Schumacher and everyone thought it could happen again. If Ralf could have overtaken Michael at the start then it would have been okay, but Michael was in front and the leader usually goes on to win in Brazil."

The San Marino Grand Prix this coming weekend was the scene of Ralf's maiden victory last year and the younger Schumacher will no doubt be hoping for a repeat performance. Michael has already said he expects Williams to be the most competitive team at Imola and that they have the best speed -- but the Ferrari driver added that speed isn't everything and a lack of horsepower can be made up in other ways.