23/06/2006
NEWS STORY
In a move which is hardly likely to endear him to the Canadian media, far less the legions of Jacques Villeneuve fans who appear to be far less forgiving than religious fundamentalists, Michael Schumacher has taken a clear swipe at the BMW driver.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix, Villeneuve's home race, Schumacher said he doubts the former champion will ever stand atop an F1 podium again.
"To be honest, it's difficult to see that he could arrive again at the top level. When you get older, you don't get faster," said the German, who is two years and three months older than the Canadian.
"You need opportunity," added Schumacher. "He had a great opportunity when he arrived in Formula One with a top team. Since then, it's very difficult to get into a top team."
Then in a clear swipe at Villeneuve, who has been one of the most vocal drivers following the incident at Rascasse in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, and subsequently resigned from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) following its failure to censure Schumacher, the German said: "As I understand it, he's preparing his new career, isn't he?" referring to the Canadian's debut single. "Maybe that's where he can be competitive."
Ouch!