F1: Schumacher may advise Raikkonen

Dmac

Schumacher may advise Raikkonen



Ferrari hope Michael Schumacher will be able to help his replacement Kimi Raikkonen forge a productive relationship with the team in 2007.

The team want Schumacher to act as a consultant but the seven-time world champion, who retired in October, has yet to finalise what his role will be.

Ferrari boss Jean Todt said: "Raikkonen is still a question mark here. This is where Schumacher could intervene.

"We intend to take advantage of his knowledge and experience."

Todt added: "I consider that unique in the world. It's an asset not to be lost, at the service of Ferrari and their drivers."

While Schumacher ponders his future involvement with the Italian team, Raikkonen is getting ready to fill the German's shoes after five years at McLaren.

Todt has stated publicly there will be "healthy competition" between Raikkonen and fellow Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, although it is likely the Finn will assume number one status in due course.

But Todt stressed he did not want comparisons with Schumacher to overshadow Raikkonen as he settles in.

"We didn't hire Raikkonen because Schumacher decided to leave racing," Todt told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

"We had to think about the future, and Raikkonen was the driver best suited to Ferrari's ambitions.

"He's very strong, quick, and his age - 27 years old - allows for many years of work at Ferrari. Any comparisons would be out of place."

Raikkonen has yet to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari because he was contracted to McLaren until the end of the season.

The Finn must wait until testing in Mugello later this month as Massa will take the drive when the new car is presented at their home track in Fiorano on 15 January.

Ferrari will launch their 2007 team and car on Sunday, though the car itself may not be ready in time.

Credit - BBC Sport