Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine has said Michael Schumacher has still got what it takes in the tough world of Formula One and is backing his old team-mate to win races, should he return in 2010.
Ulsterman Irvine partnered Schumacher from 1996 to 1999 and came second in the 1991 championship after Schumacher broke is leg following a crash at Silverstone. Irvine finished the season only two points behind McLaren‘s Mika Hakinnen (76 points).
In an interview with the Beeb, Irvine said:
“He’s been bored I think. Very, very bored and he’s definitely up for it. I hope he comes back, it will be fantastic for F1.
“In F1, you’re on show and got to perform, whereas in the real world it’s months or years before you can get the same rush. Michael has been karting since he was four or five so he knows nothing else.
“He tried the motorcycle riding which was sheer madness because he wasn’t very good and wasn’t getting paid – so I never understood that one – but F1 makes sense.”
And when asked how he thought the seven-time champion would fare against the current breed of drivers, Irvine added:
“Lewis isn’t going to back off, but Michael will have to because he’ll be 41. The speed will be there, though he won’t be as fast as he was seven years ago.
“He’s not at the peak of his game, but he’s still good enough to win races as he has such an immense talent.
“It’s still four wheels, a steering wheel and an engine, and there’s never been anyone better than Michael.”
One of Eddie Irvine’s memorable moments was at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1993 at Suzuka. Senna was chasing Damon Hill in the Williams and lapped Irvine in the Jordan. Irvine however took the place back from Senna, as Irvine claimed Senna was holding him up. After the race, Senna went to the Jordan motorhome and punched Irvine in the face.
On the matter, Irvine said:
“I assume you’re talking about racing, so I’ll keep it clean then. I think going around the outside of three guys at the first corner and up to fifth in my first grand prix for Jordan. I did have a chuckle when I unlapped Ayrton Senna in that race, and was laughing my head off in the car.”
If you missed this race, here’s a clip:
