Greetings Chaps.
Since Michael has decided NOT to contest the European Grand Prix at Valencia and since Fernando, as of this writing, is still banned from the contest, once again the bone-heads at F.I.A. have managed to downgrade a race that might have PACKED the grandstands and had tongues wagging for YEARS to one that will be forgotten before we get to Spa.
But this is about Michael's style of racing which, as my respected e-fans, Julian and Jay Vee have insisted must include points gathering cheating in various well attested incidents in which rather than RACING, Michael Schumacher deliberately wrecked or otherwise impeded competitors and, when confronted about it, refused to acknowledge said cheekiness or cheating. One assumes he wanted points and championships as much as wins. It that is the case, it explains his steadfast refusal to ever admit to any underhanded move, since, if he were to admit it, the F.I.A. would have no choice but to penalize him and take away points which, as I said, was apparently his goal in the first place. So, that's a long winded way of saying Michael's point grabbing is hardly a 'style' of racing anyone could admire or 'like.'
Of course, if F.I.A. were really interested in RACING, they would reward winning proportionately, making point grabbing and stealing a futile effort.
This is to say that Michael's eight WDC's count for less than his poles and wins. I think everyone would agree on that.
On the circuit, actually racing, I would say I definitely like or admire Michael's skills; the only thing I believe he was always lacking in racing style or ability was starts where, as you all know, he compensated by using his usual pole or near pole position as a starting point to a most alarming weave on the circuit. not pretty. not likable either.
But Michael put a great deal of effort into his driving and was, by all accounts, a superb engineering driver, too. His dedication to fitness is legendary and I think his emotional control, both in and out of the car, compares favorably with just about everyone but Kimi!
On the circuit today there is no doubt in my mind that Fernando (21 wins, 18 poles) is THE driver. Off it he has had problems controlling his emotional outbursts, which have, unlike Nige's, tended to be more whining than colorful.
Driving STYLE, then, I have to say yes to Michael ...with qualifications and yes to Fernando with out qualification.
I also love to watch Kimi on the circuit, but it all depends which Kimi shows up.
end of screed.
Jim Watt