Michael Schumacher to test Works ETCC Alfa Romeo 156

SALEEN S7R · 8 Jul 2003, 13:44 (Ref:655838)

SOURCE:WWW.FIATOURINGCARS.COM

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher will drive the 2002 FIA European Touring Car Championship winning car, the Autodelta Alfa Romeo 156 Gta, on Thursday at Mugello. Schumacher will test his F.1 Ferrari at the racetrack in Tuscany, and he will also complete a number of laps at the wheel of the Alfa Romeo, as the Autodelta team will be sharig the circuit with Ferrari.

Current FIA ETCC point leader Gabriele Tarquini will introduce the German ace to the secrets of the 156 Gta. It will be a top level meeting between two all-winners in their respective motorsport categories. Michael Schumacher is the most winning driver ever in Formula 1 history, having won five World Championships and 57 grands prix.

The Alfa Romeo 156 emerged as the most winning machine in the latest Touring Car seasons; since its 1998 debut, the Italian saloon claimed five major championships, including the 2001 FIA ESTC and the 2002 FIA ETCC. Both, Schumacher and Alfa Romeo are currently leading their respective championships.

Autodelta will continue testing on the following day, with Tarquini and newcomer Sebastian Stahl. The young German driver, who is Schumacher’s step brother, is expected to drive a fourth works 156 Gta on the FIA ETCC eighth meeting in Oschersleben, on September 21. In the picture: Tarquini’s Alfa will be in the hands of a celebrity driver at Mugello.

ETCC Media:

ENDS:/

I wonder, what are the chances of seeing MS in the ETCC when he retires from F1? Could be very intresting.

gttouring · 8 Jul 2003, 17:07 (Ref:656009)

I would love to see it, but we know better.
besides doesn't he want to work at ferarri until he is old and using a cane?

MrTTraces · 8 Jul 2003, 18:00 (Ref:656041)

interesting!

Me thinks more a P.R. stunt than a schummi career change.

Reido Rules · 8 Jul 2003, 18:10 (Ref:656051)

yes Michael wants to finish his career at Ferrari, and is probably wanting to spend 2007 and beyond with his family. But I just get the feeling that in late 2006 the FIAT group might just move him into an ETCC car (if it's still there) probably for PR reasons. e.g. Posters, adverts etc "8times world champion chooses Alfa Romeo."

Reido Rules · 8 Jul 2003, 18:12 (Ref:656053)

But I also know that there is a 99.999% chance that it won't happen!

kmchow · 10 Jul 2003, 01:24 (Ref:657516)

Quote:

Originally posted by SALEEN S7R
I wonder, what are the chances of seeing MS in the ETCC when he retires from F1? Could be very intresting.

It would definitely be cool to see him retire his F1 career and start a career in the ETCC. Kinda like how Jean Alesi and his new found touring car career in the DTM! A nice way to "take things easy".

kristof14 · 11 Jul 2003, 00:18 (Ref:658380)

They should put Tarquini in the F2003 at the same time, only seems fair!

kmchow · 12 Jul 2003, 06:50 (Ref:659377)

Quote:

Originally posted by kristof14
They should put Tarquini in the F2003 at the same time, only seems fair!

I'm suprised they aren't!

racingdick · 12 Jul 2003, 09:32 (Ref:659444)

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher drove the 2002 FIA European Touring Car Championship winning car, the Autodelta Alfa Romeo 156 Gta, yesterday at Mugello. As usual, the reigning Formula 1 world champion took the test very seriously. During a pause while testing the Ferrari, he completed one lap in the Alfa, then came back into the pits to study the telemetry and exchange opinions with current ETCC leader Gabriele Tarquini and the Autodelta engineers. Back at the wheel, Schumacher completed around twenty laps, with a fastest time of 2:02.76. It was a fine meeting between two all-conquering winners in their respective motorsport categories. Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver ever in Formula 1 history, having won five World Championships and 57 Grands Prix. The Alfa Romeo 156 emerged as the most successful in the most recent Touring Car seasons; since its 1998 debut, the Italian saloon claimed five major championships, including the 2001 FIA ESTC and the 2002 FIA ETCC. It was a nice experience, Schumacher said afterwards. I would like to thank Alfa Romeo for giving me this opportunity. The reason for this test was to point out how close Alfa Romeo and Ferrari are. I also wish to help Sebastian (Stahl) to understand the secrets of this car.

gttouring · 12 Jul 2003, 15:20 (Ref:659592)

what did tarquini lap?
did he go faster?
heh heh

speedy king · 12 Jul 2003, 18:58 (Ref:659662)

Schumachers comments hardly come across as positive for going tot he ETCC.......

tecmerc · 14 Jul 2003, 22:16 (Ref:661214)

if he quits F1 and races in ETCC, i think i'll switch and watch something else, like paint drying.

gttouring · 16 Jul 2003, 00:33 (Ref:662398)

I could not find tarquini's time at Mugello but schumacher turned a 2:02:76 around mugello in the Alfa
unofficially in an f12002 he turned 1.20.193
and for comparo Alex zanardi in his f3000 reynard did a 1.38
and Bernd Schnieder in the Mercedes CLKGTR did a 1.45...
http://www.mugellocircuit.it and it has links to track records

Lee Brookes · 16 Jul 2003, 11:54 (Ref:662713)

i think MS will stay in F1 for a while yet and i doubt he would start a touring car career

flor · 16 Jul 2003, 17:29 (Ref:663048)

i read schumi was faster than tarquini

krt917 · 21 Jul 2003, 15:52 (Ref:667297)

Autosport said that he was within 3/10ths of Tarquini's marker time. Not too bad!

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