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[big ron]

I'm kinda torn on this one. Whereas I'd like to see schumacher drive at his best in Valencia, I agree with Williams too. Ferrari have two reserve drivers that could step in, the fact that they're not competitive shouldn't be a reason to break the testing rules in favour of someone that is.

[McLaren Fan]

From F1 Live:

With Michael Schumacher stepping in to replace the injured Felipe Massa starting with this month's European Grand Prix at Valencia, Ferrari has requested from its fellow Formula One teams a one-time lift on the in-season testing ban in order to allow the famous German to acquaint himself with the current F60 over the course of a single day.

Although the other seven members of the Formula One Teams Association seem to have given a green light to Ferrari's request, the Williams and Force India outfits had held back on the matter.

Today, the Williams team confirmed with ESPN Racing-Live.com that they are not supporting a temporary suspension of the test ban rule, comparing Schumacher's situation to that of any other driver coming in as a replacement.

"While we welcome Michael Schumacher back to Formula One, the fact is that any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited; a regulation clearly laid out by the FIA and adhered to by all of the teams," declared Team Principal Frank Williams.

"It was for this reason that (Jaime) Alguersuari, who drove an F1 car for the very first time in Hungary, did not have the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Toro Rosso before he made his race debut," he pointed out. "Williams F1 sees no distinction between Alguersuari's situation and Schumacher's and feels that any deviation from the rule would create a precedent for the future.

"In a similar situation, Williams F1 would unhesitatingly use its current test driver.

For the sake of consistency and fairness, therefore, we oppose Ferrari's proposal to test ahead of the European Grand Prix," Williams concluded.

Meanwhile, the other non-FOTA member team, Force India, has yet to announce its position on the matter.

If Williams does not change its stance and the required unanimous agreement is not reached, Schumacher will still have the possibility of preparing for his temporary F1 comeback.

The seven-time World Champion tested last Friday at the wheel of a privately-owned Ferrari F2007, completing 70 laps of the Mugello track at the controls of the two-year-old car built along specifications much different than those in use today.

If he is not allowed to try out the current Ferrari F60 before the Valencia race, he may simply continue his training with the F2007, which was recently fitted with slick tyres to better simulate this year's car.

The slicks used were explained as coming from the GP2 series, however the FIA will be taking a closer look to confirm that no rules were infringed.

Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International

[yamashek]

I understand where Williams is coming from...

But would it be better if MS drives the F60 in its debut spec?

Meaning the F60 without any upgrades from Australia onwards...I think the testing ban is there to stop the testing of new parts for the coming GP, and I think as long as Ferrari doesn't put any new bits on the F60 that MS is going to drive, I don't see too big of a problem...

[Amanda]

The rules are the rules as far as I'm concerned, however stupid they may be. I don't see why Schumacher should have special treatment just because he's a 7 times world champion in a Ferrari as opposed to a rookie in a Torro Rosso. Ferrari could have gone with their reserve drivers but they've chosen to go with Michael Schumacher so I don't think the situation is any different to the one that Alguersuari found himself in.

[darwin dali]

hey hey he isnt the prophet i am, i predicted it too! follow my religion its heaps better! when you die you have 27 virgins to root your brains out in heaven!

The muslims beat you with their 72 virgins. BTW: virgins? Pfft! They don't know sh!t - I'd rather have someone experienced

[darwin dali]

Well what did I say? The Immovable Object STRIKES:

Williams opposes Schumacher's test

By Edd Straw and Pablo Elizalde Monday, August 3rd 2009, 12:01 GMT

The Williams team has opposed Ferrari's request to allow Michael Schumacher to test ahead of his return to Formula 1 at the European Grand Prix, AUTOSPORT can reveal.

Ferrari had asked all current teams, as well as the FIA, to allow Schumacher to have a one-day test with this year's F60 car to familiarise himself with the machine.

Schumacher drove a two-year-old F2007 fitted with GP2 tyres at the Mugello circuit last week, the German having not driven F1 machinery since last year.

The seven-time champion, replacing the injured Felipe Massa in the Valencia race later this month, retired from F1 competition at the end of 2006.

Williams said it is opposing Ferrari's request because it clearly contravenes the regulations, which state testing is not allowed during the season.

"While we welcome Michael Schumacher back to Formula 1, the fact is that any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited; a regulation clearly laid out by the FIA and adhered to by all of the teams," said team boss Frank Williams.

"It was for this reason that Alguersuari, who drove an F1 car for the very first time in Hungary, did not have the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Toro Rosso before he made his race debut.

"Williams sees no distinction between Alguersuari's situation and Schumacher's and feels that any deviation from the rule would create a precedent for the future.

"In a similar situation, Williams would unhesitatingly use its current test driver. For the sake of consistency and fairness, therefore, we oppose Ferrari's proposal to test ahead of the European Grand Prix."

Ferrari needed the unanimous approval of all teams to get Schumacher to test, which means the German will not be able to try to F60 before the Valencia event.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77534

And do you know what I agree with them.

You predicted it!

[EwanM]

Now for my second coming...

Mind you there is only one god in Formula1...

[kerc]

I'm just waiting for the numerous Schumacher fanboys/girls to come on this thread and slag Williams.

Anyone else predict that?

What did you say about AKR?

On the subject, everyone should be treated the same. I see absolutely no reason for excluding Schumacher from the testing ban. Heck, it doesn't matter if it's whoever's favorite prophet/messiah/savior directly from heavens wearing a racing suit and helmet, still the no-test rule should apply.

[bud]

hey hey he isnt the prophet i am, i predicted it too! follow my religion its heaps better! when you die you have 27 virgins to root your brains out in heaven!

The muslims beat you with their 72 virgins. BTW: virgins? Pfft! They don't know sh!t - I'd rather have someone experienced

72 sluts in your religion?

[Hexagram]

hey hey he isnt the prophet i am, i predicted it too! follow my religion its heaps better! when you die you have 27 virgins to root your brains out in heaven!

The muslims beat you with their 72 virgins. BTW: virgins? Pfft! They don't know sh!t - I'd rather have someone experienced

72 sluts in your religion?

[darwin dali]

hey hey he isnt the prophet i am, i predicted it too! follow my religion its heaps better! when you die you have 27 virgins to root your brains out in heaven!

The muslims beat you with their 72 virgins. BTW: virgins? Pfft! They don't know sh!t - I'd rather have someone experienced

72 sluts in your religion?

Yeah baby!

[Denthúl]

Whilst it's fair enough that Williams have said no to this, you'd be mad to believe it was solely based on the regulations. They are the team with the most to lose from Schumacher getting a test, since they and Ferrari are battling it out for third place (I've discounted Toyota as I expect them to drop back with their unexplainable performance variances) and so anything they give to Schumacher puts them at a disadvantage with Rosberg being their only points-scoring driver.

[GarethStr]

Whilst I respect Williams for their decision to block the move I do believe their comparison to Alguesari isnt valid. For one Toro Rosso chose to change their driver line-up as Bourdais, as s*** as he was, was capable of driving the car. Whereas Ferrari through some very unfortunate circumstances have been forced to change their driver.

[kerc]

Whilst I respect Williams for their decision to block the move I do believe their comparison to Alguesari isnt valid. For one Toro Rosso chose to change their driver line-up as Bourdais, as s*** as he was, was capable of driving the car. Whereas Ferrari through some very unfortunate circumstances have been forced to change their driver.

Rules are rules.

[Denthúl]

Whilst I respect Williams for their decision to block the move I do believe their comparison to Alguesari isnt valid. For one Toro Rosso chose to change their driver line-up as Bourdais, as s*** as he was, was capable of driving the car. Whereas Ferrari through some very unfortunate circumstances have been forced to change their driver.

Rules are rules.

Yep. And s*** rules are s*** rules.