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Di Grassi ready for battle with Schumi
Source: Agencies |
December 19, 2009, Saturday
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WHEN Lucas di Grassi began in go-kart racing in 1994, Michael Schumacher was powering his way to the first of seven Formula One titles.
Now, as F1's newest driver, di Grassi - a 25-year-old Brazilian - hopes his debut with Virgin Racing in 2010 coincides with a comeback by the 40-year-old Schumacher after four years in retirement.
Despite a 15-year age difference, the pair have faced each other on a track before - in charity karting. And Schumacher hasn't always been able to dominate in the International Challenge of the Stars competitions run by Felipe Massa, a Ferrari driver from Brazil.
"It's very equal, but for three years in a row I have beaten Michael in qualifying," Di Grassi said this week at the launch of the new Virgin team. "Michael is the most competitive guy I know. We always talk and have fun with each other. We had a very tough battle with each other in the race last year when he spun and it was raining. This year he won."
Schumacher is considering a return with Mercedes next season after Ferrari, his previous team, cleared the way for him to make a comeback with another outfit. "He is very motivated and very focused, whatever his race he wants to win," di Grassi said. "I am always joking with him if he will race this year in F1 and he won't answer me."
Virgin's other driver is Timo Glock.
Now, as F1's newest driver, di Grassi - a 25-year-old Brazilian - hopes his debut with Virgin Racing in 2010 coincides with a comeback by the 40-year-old Schumacher after four years in retirement.
Despite a 15-year age difference, the pair have faced each other on a track before - in charity karting. And Schumacher hasn't always been able to dominate in the International Challenge of the Stars competitions run by Felipe Massa, a Ferrari driver from Brazil.
"It's very equal, but for three years in a row I have beaten Michael in qualifying," Di Grassi said this week at the launch of the new Virgin team. "Michael is the most competitive guy I know. We always talk and have fun with each other. We had a very tough battle with each other in the race last year when he spun and it was raining. This year he won."
Schumacher is considering a return with Mercedes next season after Ferrari, his previous team, cleared the way for him to make a comeback with another outfit. "He is very motivated and very focused, whatever his race he wants to win," di Grassi said. "I am always joking with him if he will race this year in F1 and he won't answer me."
Virgin's other driver is Timo Glock.
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