Michael Schumacher to race in Michelin Race of Champions

[sameerrao]

On "Wind Tunnel" with Dave Despain today, he mentioned that Michael Schumacher will race in the Michelin Race of Champions that will be held this year. To those who are not familiar with this race it pits rally drivers, F1 drivers, bikers and other racers against each other in rally cars across a dirt circuit. The drivers race for their country - there are teams of 3 drivers or so per representing each country. Also the drivers have an elimination round that decides the winner.

The race is traditionally held in the Canary Islands but is being held in Paris this year - the event is on December 4.

Last year Sebastien Loeb was the overall winner beating Marcus Gronholm in the end. The year before Jeff Gordon did a masterful job shocking the Europeans who thought he would be a push over.

As an aside one of the key coordinators of this race is Michele Mouton who was an ace rally driver in the 80s ... she used to drive for Audi.

So far, Sebastien Loeb also has committed. I am pretty sure that Gronholm wil be there. Wonder who else will commit. I will be watching this space closely.

So all those questions about how do F1 drivers compare with Rally drivers ---> here's one way to find out.

http://www.imp.mc/rocwebsite/index.htm

[jorge]

I saw the event some years ago (i think two) and it was very good, but having Schumacher is gonna be excellent! :o

[sameerrao]

saw the event some years ago and it was very good, but having Schumacher is gonna be excellent!

Last year's shootout between Loeb and Gronholm was awesome. I really thought that Gronholm would win but he lost out by the end of the first lap if I remember. Loeb was a cool competitor - he didn't lose his nerve and always drove within his limits with no mistakes.

Though it might be tough for Schumi as he has no real experience in this category.

But I think he will prepare well in his own way - racing in the snow in Norway to get his skills honed :D .

Remember when he participated in karting last year - Schumi lost a couple of kilos to be competitive. He is serious even when he is having fun.

[chipanggo]

i always though that the race of champions was only for rally drivers. if schumacher joins, it will deifinitely be exciting to see him go up against the best from different racing disciplines.

[TT]

Finally!

[DMbaseball1604]

Great news! I watched it last year for the first time...its incredible! And now with Schumacher there its going to be even better!

[noosee]

It will be so nice if it happens :D

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

Ive got some doubts if Michael will let drive if Michelin is the main sponsor of the event, once Michael has the contract with ferrari and bridgestone.....and bridgestone is the direct rival of michelin in the formula 1

[sameerrao]

Ive got some doubts if Michael will let drive if Michelin is the main sponsor of the event, once Michael has the contract with ferrari and bridgestone.....and bridgestone is the direct rival of michelin in the formula 1


Dave mentioned this would be a potential sticking point but if you go to the link that I submitted in the original post it is announced on the Michelin ROC site that Michael has agreed to participate. So looks like it is final.

Well Bridgestone is not into rallying so it really doesnt matter is it? And if Michael says he wants to race Bridgestone will agree. They know which side the bread is buttered on. Their relationshionship will survive one race with another tyre manufacturer.


i always though that the race of champions was only for rally drivers. if schumacher joins, it will deifinitely be exciting to see him go up against the best from different racing disciplines.


No it is true that rally drivers dominate but F1 drivers and others participate - last year Alonso and daMatta participated. I am not sure if anyone else did..

[evoWalo]

At last a race that Schumi could actually loose!

[tigerx]

At last a race that Schumi could actually loose!


0X :fist: michael is god, he will never lose!!! :fist: 0X

jk, yeah i don't think he will fair good either. it'll be greater if he win though :D

[SFDMALEX]

Although I think that he will not do very well you never know with Schumi. The man is competative with a big C. I think that he will do very well.

[yg60m]

Yeah, i remember the Paris Kart indoor, he beat everyone including Go-Karts champions :wink:

[360modena]

Ive got some doubts if Michael will let drive if Michelin is the main sponsor of the event, once Michael has the contract with ferrari and bridgestone.....and bridgestone is the direct rival of michelin in the formula 1


Dave mentioned this would be a potential sticking point but if you go to the link that I submitted in the original post it is announced on the Michelin ROC site that Michael has agreed to participate. So looks like it is final.



In an interview with Jean Todt talking about MS racing other kind of motorsport. He tells, MS will be authorized to but probably have to drive a car from FIAT group.

But since he accept, it seems to be OK for ROC. And I think rallymen are scared about it :D can't wait see a race LOEB VS SCUMACHER, it will be great!!!

[stradale]

I'm looking forward to it. I don't think Schumacher is going to win, but he certainly won't be last. He has incredible car control and not only on the track. The man can drift, he surely can.

So all those questions about how do F1 drivers compare with Rally drivers ---> here's one way to find out.


To really know how they compare the rally drivers should drive a Formula 1 car next. Only then we could really see that both categories of drivers excell at their own terrain. It doesn't mean anything. :wink:

[TT]

Now we just need some american racing series drivers and the event is complete


Usually there are a couple :D

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

If MS gets used to the technique of driving this kind of car, if he gets used to the car to drive in this race, if he gets the good settings .....he would be one of the bests drivers i guess,...otherwise.....i see very difficult for him to get to the classify against an experienced driver

[ingko]

Whoa, is there any footage of Schumacher riding in the Paris Go Karting? Personally, I think he'll do ok, just not top 5. But who knows, maybe he'll pull a Jeff Gordon and win it all.

I have the Automobile Magazine article on it. The American team that year had another nascar driver and Colin Edwards who's in MotoGP now.

[sameerrao]

Whoa, is there any footage of Schumacher riding in the Paris Go Karting? Personally, I think he'll do ok, just not top 5. But who knows, maybe he'll pull a Jeff Gordon and win it all.

I have the Automobile Magazine article on it. The American team that year had another nascar driver and Colin Edwards who's in MotoGP now.


Yep Jeff won the team title but not the individual title. The other Nascar driver was Jimmy Johnson. Colin Edwards was the best of the lot - he never lost to anyone if memory serves me right...

[sameerrao]

Update:

Michael is bringing some of the F1 boys along

According to F1-live.com

At least five Formula One drivers have accepted an invitation to December's Race of Champions in Paris including World Champion Michael Schumacher.

Fernando Alonso, Olivier Panis and Nick Heidfeld are also set to compete in the end-of-season event which will be staged inside the 'Stade de France' in 2004. Cristiano da Matta, who raced in the event last year, is again a starter.

[crayzayjay]

Wow.. i certainly hopes he competes. That would be awesome :D