Post by blacktulip on Dec 30, 2009 21:08:52 GMT
Red Bull ace Sebastian Vettel will emerge on top in what looks likely to be the star-studded chase for next season’s drivers’ championship.
That is the view of Formula 1’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who predicts that the 22-year-old will have the measure of returning countryman Michael Schumacher, and the grid’s other established names, over the course of the 19-race campaign.
Asked by German newspaper Bild who he expected to be Schumacher’s biggest rival during the seven-time champion’s comeback year, Ecclestone replied: “There are several – [Lewis] Hamilton, [Fernando] Alonso.
“But I predict that Sebastian Vettel will be the next world champion.”
Nevertheless the F1 impresario believes Schumacher, at 41, is capable of winning an unprecedented eighth world title – although given the strength of the current crop of drivers, Ecclestone reckons it may come down to which one has the fastest car.
“Of course it is possible,” Ecclestone said of another Schumacher title success.
“But that is also true for five other drivers. Ultimately it may depend on who has the best car.”
Indeed Ecclestone admits he is relishing the prospect of the new generation of drivers going head-to-head with a refreshed Schumacher.
“The younger drivers will absolutely want to beat him,” he added.
“He wants to show them what he has. That’s the beauty of the whole thing.”
He added: “It is not necessarily a question of age, but more a question of health, whether you are really fit and motivated.
“And Schumacher will be both fit and motivated.”
That is the view of Formula 1’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who predicts that the 22-year-old will have the measure of returning countryman Michael Schumacher, and the grid’s other established names, over the course of the 19-race campaign.
Asked by German newspaper Bild who he expected to be Schumacher’s biggest rival during the seven-time champion’s comeback year, Ecclestone replied: “There are several – [Lewis] Hamilton, [Fernando] Alonso.
“But I predict that Sebastian Vettel will be the next world champion.”
Nevertheless the F1 impresario believes Schumacher, at 41, is capable of winning an unprecedented eighth world title – although given the strength of the current crop of drivers, Ecclestone reckons it may come down to which one has the fastest car.
“Of course it is possible,” Ecclestone said of another Schumacher title success.
“But that is also true for five other drivers. Ultimately it may depend on who has the best car.”
Indeed Ecclestone admits he is relishing the prospect of the new generation of drivers going head-to-head with a refreshed Schumacher.
“The younger drivers will absolutely want to beat him,” he added.
“He wants to show them what he has. That’s the beauty of the whole thing.”
He added: “It is not necessarily a question of age, but more a question of health, whether you are really fit and motivated.
“And Schumacher will be both fit and motivated.”
lets see how good the cars will be 
