PlanetF1

'Schumacher is not a traitor'

Wednesday 30-December-2009 09:16

Ferrari supporters may not be pleased that former fan favourite Michael Schumacher has joined Mercedes, but Piero Ferrari insits the German is by no means a traitor.

Piero, the only living son of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, admits he was disappointed to see Schumacher sign with another team, but that the man who helped the Scudera to five World Championships should not be ostracised.

"There has been talk of treason, I would not use that word, but I can not deny that we felt ill about the choice made, we should remember that Schumacher gave a lot, but also received a lot of Ferrari," the 65-year-old told reporters.

The Ferrari vice-president went on to relate a story his father told him regarding drivers: "He always said that we must never take love for pilots, because they are either killed or going to run for other teams, we must always treat them as employees, though very important."

Despite Schumacher's defection, Piero said that Ferrai would not look to distance themselves from the 40-year-old.

"The square in front of the Fiorano track will bear his name and I personally will not remove his picture on the wall of my office," he explained.

The Italian reamains confident that current Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will be able to overcome the challenge of Schumacher.

"We've signed Alonso, who has challenged and beaten Michael. We also have Massa, who took over from Schumacher and has grown a lot.

"I am convinced we have been able to build a good car, better than that of 2009. We will not lose the title because of the drivers," he insisted.