| |
| |
![]() |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
LONDON: World championship leader Jenson Button admits Michael Schumacher has put his reputation by deciding to come out of retirement.
Schumacher, 40, has accepted Ferrari's offer to replace injured Brazilian Felipe Massa at next month's European Grand Prix in Valencia.
The seven-time world champion quit Formula One in 2006 but has returned to help his former team after Massa required surgery to repair a fractured skull following a freak accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Brawn GP driver Button believes Schumacher deserves credit for taking such a decision but he warned the German legend he could tarnish his reputation if he doesn't make a big impact.
"It will be good to have Michael back out there racing again," Button said on Thursday.
"There are very good people out there at the moment, but to have Michael there again will be very special, although I'm sure we all wish Felipe was there also.
"But it's a strange situation because the reason for Michael being there is because another driver can't take part.
"In a way Ferrari are very lucky because they've someone working in their team who can jump straight into the car and be competitive, and Michael will be.
"It's an interesting one, though, because if he wins people will say they expected him to, and if he doesn't, they will say he should not have come back.
"So it's a tough position for him to be in, although I'm happy he has taken up the challenge. It's very brave of him."
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton can't wait to test himself against such a fierce competitor as Schumacher.
"I am excited by the possibility of Michael's return, assuming it happens," Hamilton said.
"Michael is one of the sport's greatest competitors, a legend in his own right, and it would be great to compete against him.
"The whole world will be watching his return to the cockpit in Valencia.
"It will not only be fascinating to see how he readies himself for his grand prix comeback, but also an honour and a privilege to race against him for the very first time. I wish him well.
"My thoughts, though, are still with Felipe and his family after his terrible accident in Hungary." - AFP/de
|
