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<span class=\"news_header\">Update from Ralf</span><br/><span class=\"news_date\">17.07.2007 17:38</span><br/> <p><span class=\"news_content\"><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\">Since my last column a fair amount of time has passed, but, as you can imagine, the last few weeks have been fairly stressful, what with back-to-back Grands Prix, first in <place wst=\"on\"></place>North America<place></place>, then the twinned races in Magny-Cours and Silverstone. Now, at the halfway point of the season, I am able to be home in <city wst=\"on\"></city><place wst=\"on\"></place>Salzburg<place></place><city></city> to reflect on matters and draw some conclusions.<p></p></span></p><p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>Admittedly, the season has not gone the way we had imagined it would. Two points from nine races certainly does not meet with my expectations, and also not those of the team. It would appear, though, that we are on the right track after a faltering start to the season, as my sixth place at the Silverstone grid indicates. That is not where I would like to be in the medium-term, but it is a start.<img height=\"300\" alt=\"\" hspace=\"8\" src=\"http://www.ralf-schumacher.de/_apps/editor/pictureUploads/Image/Bilder%200702/070717_ralfsitsinpits.jpg\" width=\"200\" align=\"right\" vspace=\"8\"/><p></p></span></p><p></p>Admittedly, the season has not gone the way we had imagined it would. Two points from nine races certainly does not meet with my expectations, and also not those of the team. It would appear, though, that we are on the right track after a faltering start to the season, as my sixth place at the Silverstone grid indicates. That is not where I would like to be in the medium-term, but it is a start.<img height=\"300\" alt=\"\" hspace=\"8\" src=\"http://www.ralf-schumacher.de/_apps/editor/pictureUploads/Image/Bilder%200702/070717_ralfsitsinpits.jpg\" width=\"200\" align=\"right\" vspace=\"8\"/><p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>We had already noticed advances in previous races, but these did not translate into results - for various reasons. This season the mid-field is incredibly tight, with the slightest mistake during qualifying resulting in failure to make the Q2 or even Q1 cuts. However, as stated, I am optimistic that we will enjoy a far better second half of the season.</span></p><p></p>We had already noticed advances in previous races, but these did not translate into results - for various reasons. This season the mid-field is incredibly tight, with the slightest mistake during qualifying resulting in failure to make the Q2 or even Q1 cuts. However, as stated, I am optimistic that we will enjoy a far better second half of the season.<p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><span></span><p></p>This belief is based on the fact that I am feeling ever more comfortable with the TF107. During the early races its characteristics just did not suit my style. In the meantime the team has made slight changes, and I have tried to adapt to the challenges brought about by the rule changes, which was certainly not easy. Despite what the armchair experts say, it is simply not possible to change one’s driving style, one which, after all, functioned extremely well for many years, overnight.<p></p></span></p><p></p>This belief is based on the fact that I am feeling ever more comfortable with the TF107. During the early races its characteristics just did not suit my style. In the meantime the team has made slight changes, and I have tried to adapt to the challenges brought about by the rule changes, which was certainly not easy. Despite what the armchair experts say, it is simply not possible to change one’s driving style, one which, after all, functioned extremely well for many years, overnight.<p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>But, let us forget that; I am certainly not going to permit myself to be irritated by media rumours. The most important thing is that we as a team make progress. Thankfully, now that our performances have improved slightly, an element of common sense seems to have returned, enabling us to concentrate on important issues. And, I promise you: In 2008 I will definitely be racing in Formula One. When the time is ripe we will make an announcement regarding which team I will be driving for. Nothing has been decided at present.<p></p></span></p><p></p>But, let us forget that; I am certainly not going to permit myself to be irritated by media rumours. The most important thing is that we as a team make progress. Thankfully, now that our performances have improved slightly, an element of common sense seems to have returned, enabling us to concentrate on important issues. And, I promise you: In 2008 I will definitely be racing in Formula One. When the time is ripe we will make an announcement regarding which team I will be driving for. Nothing has been decided at present.<p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>I am looking forward to my home Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, which I was able to win in 2003. Naturally it would be unrealistic to expect a similar result on Sunday, but we are aiming to qualify in the top ten and to race in the points, and hope to maintain that form through to the end of the season. Who knows, if we improve a bit more we may be able to take our place at the sharp end of the midfield. One has to, though, make gradual progress, and for the present our target is BMW.<p></p></span></p><p></p>I am looking forward to my home Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, which I was able to win in 2003. Naturally it would be unrealistic to expect a similar result on Sunday, but we are aiming to qualify in the top ten and to race in the points, and hope to maintain that form through to the end of the season. Who knows, if we improve a bit more we may be able to take our place at the sharp end of the midfield. One has to, though, make gradual progress, and for the present our target is BMW.<p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>I am told the Nürburgring is expecting more spectators than attended last year. That is wonderful and I am very happy for the circuit. And I am aiming for a good result to give them even more to cheer about.<p></p></span></p><p></p>I am told the Nürburgring is expecting more spectators than attended last year. That is wonderful and I am very happy for the circuit. And I am aiming for a good result to give them even more to cheer about.<p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>Yours Ralf</span></p><p></p>Yours Ralf</span></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\">Since my last column a fair amount of time has passed, but, as you can imagine, the last few weeks have been fairly stressful, what with back-to-back Grands Prix, first in <place wst=\"on\"></place>North America<place></place>, then the twinned races in Magny-Cours and Silverstone. Now, at the halfway point of the season, I am able to be home in <city wst=\"on\"></city><place wst=\"on\"></place>Salzburg<place></place><city></city> to reflect on matters and draw some conclusions.<p></p></span></p><p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>Admittedly, the season has not gone the way we had imagined it would. Two points from nine races certainly does not meet with my expectations, and also not those of the team. It would appear, though, that we are on the right track after a faltering start to the season, as my sixth place at the Silverstone grid indicates. That is not where I would like to be in the medium-term, but it is a start.<img height=\"300\" alt=\"\" hspace=\"8\" src=\"http://www.ralf-schumacher.de/_apps/editor/pictureUploads/Image/Bilder%200702/070717_ralfsitsinpits.jpg\" width=\"200\" align=\"right\" vspace=\"8\"/><p></p></span></p><p></p>Admittedly, the season has not gone the way we had imagined it would. Two points from nine races certainly does not meet with my expectations, and also not those of the team. It would appear, though, that we are on the right track after a faltering start to the season, as my sixth place at the Silverstone grid indicates. That is not where I would like to be in the medium-term, but it is a start.<img height=\"300\" alt=\"\" hspace=\"8\" src=\"http://www.ralf-schumacher.de/_apps/editor/pictureUploads/Image/Bilder%200702/070717_ralfsitsinpits.jpg\" width=\"200\" align=\"right\" vspace=\"8\"/><p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>We had already noticed advances in previous races, but these did not translate into results - for various reasons. This season the mid-field is incredibly tight, with the slightest mistake during qualifying resulting in failure to make the Q2 or even Q1 cuts. However, as stated, I am optimistic that we will enjoy a far better second half of the season.</span></p><p></p>We had already noticed advances in previous races, but these did not translate into results - for various reasons. This season the mid-field is incredibly tight, with the slightest mistake during qualifying resulting in failure to make the Q2 or even Q1 cuts. However, as stated, I am optimistic that we will enjoy a far better second half of the season.<p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><span></span><p></p>This belief is based on the fact that I am feeling ever more comfortable with the TF107. During the early races its characteristics just did not suit my style. In the meantime the team has made slight changes, and I have tried to adapt to the challenges brought about by the rule changes, which was certainly not easy. Despite what the armchair experts say, it is simply not possible to change one’s driving style, one which, after all, functioned extremely well for many years, overnight.<p></p></span></p><p></p>This belief is based on the fact that I am feeling ever more comfortable with the TF107. During the early races its characteristics just did not suit my style. In the meantime the team has made slight changes, and I have tried to adapt to the challenges brought about by the rule changes, which was certainly not easy. Despite what the armchair experts say, it is simply not possible to change one’s driving style, one which, after all, functioned extremely well for many years, overnight.<p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>But, let us forget that; I am certainly not going to permit myself to be irritated by media rumours. The most important thing is that we as a team make progress. Thankfully, now that our performances have improved slightly, an element of common sense seems to have returned, enabling us to concentrate on important issues. And, I promise you: In 2008 I will definitely be racing in Formula One. When the time is ripe we will make an announcement regarding which team I will be driving for. Nothing has been decided at present.<p></p></span></p><p></p>But, let us forget that; I am certainly not going to permit myself to be irritated by media rumours. The most important thing is that we as a team make progress. Thankfully, now that our performances have improved slightly, an element of common sense seems to have returned, enabling us to concentrate on important issues. And, I promise you: In 2008 I will definitely be racing in Formula One. When the time is ripe we will make an announcement regarding which team I will be driving for. Nothing has been decided at present.<p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>I am looking forward to my home Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, which I was able to win in 2003. Naturally it would be unrealistic to expect a similar result on Sunday, but we are aiming to qualify in the top ten and to race in the points, and hope to maintain that form through to the end of the season. Who knows, if we improve a bit more we may be able to take our place at the sharp end of the midfield. One has to, though, make gradual progress, and for the present our target is BMW.<p></p></span></p><p></p>I am looking forward to my home Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, which I was able to win in 2003. Naturally it would be unrealistic to expect a similar result on Sunday, but we are aiming to qualify in the top ten and to race in the points, and hope to maintain that form through to the end of the season. Who knows, if we improve a bit more we may be able to take our place at the sharp end of the midfield. One has to, though, make gradual progress, and for the present our target is BMW.<p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>I am told the Nürburgring is expecting more spectators than attended last year. That is wonderful and I am very happy for the circuit. And I am aiming for a good result to give them even more to cheer about.<p></p></span></p><p></p>I am told the Nürburgring is expecting more spectators than attended last year. That is wonderful and I am very happy for the circuit. And I am aiming for a good result to give them even more to cheer about.<p></p><p></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;\"><p></p>Yours Ralf</span></p><p></p>Yours Ralf |
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