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[Amanda]

Presumably they didn't ask because it was against the rules for him to test. Ferrari seem to think that the rules don't stand.

Exactly why should they presume to ask when its against the rules, then again STR do use another teams car.....

in F1 Rules depend on what team you are.

So it would seem, I'm glad Williams is putting it's foot down

[myownalias]

I fully understand WIlliams stance and it probably is a bit of sour grapes after being booted out of FOTA which Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo heads. But don't think that'll have an baring on the FIA's decision, the FIA are famous for making rules up as they go along. Either way I believe that Schumacher will be on the pace out of the box; the only thing in question really is his fitness levels and he can assess that from driving the F2007. As a side question; why is Schumacher testing the 2007 car instead of the 2008 car? it's not like the F2008 has any resemblance to this years car!

[darwin dali]

I fully understand WIlliams stance and it probably is a bit of sour grapes after being booted out of FOTA which Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo heads. But don't think that'll have an baring on the FIA's decision, the FIA are famous for making rules up as they go along. Either way I believe that Schumacher will be on the pace out of the box; the only thing in question really is his fitness levels and he can assess that from driving the F2007. As a side question; why is Schumacher testing the 2007 car instead of the 2008 car? it's not like the F2008 has any resemblance to this years car!

Maybe Clienti doesn't have last year's car yet?

[7UpJordan]

Sir Frank has every right to protest Schumi's tests, rules are rules and the FIA should not be allowed to bend them just for Schumacher's sake. Schumi is a 7 time World Champion and has contested 250 races, he got to grips with the 1991 Jordan so quickly, so he shouldn't have a problem with the F60. Afterall, Algy got on well in the Toro Rosso with zero experience.

Plus Williams are in a fight with Ferrari for 3rd in the constructors title (which Nakajima is doing nothing to help) and it would be a bit of an unfair advantage.

PS. I think it would be worth merging this thread with the other Schumacher thread.

[Stealthgate007]

I really think Schui's test should come at the first practice of Valencia. I don't think they should bend the rules for him or anyone in this case. The rules are the rules and if nobody likes them, they need to be changed for next year. Comparing Schui and Algusari is like comparing chesse and bricks.. Doesn't make sense. Seven time WDC doesn't really need the help.. Don't believe the Hype! If they did allow him to test, it would be nothing but a set-up and dialing-in session. He can wait for practice.

[headless]

Well thats what you get for Ramming a Williams Car twice Schui!

[headless]

Whether anything comes of the f2007test doesn't really matter, the fact they are investigating it would send a suggestion of the FIAs stance on the whole thing wouldn't you think?

If Michael is allowed to test, then Grosjean should be too.

Yeah its only fair.

But they haven't asked, and if you don't ask you don't get

Precisely

Presumably they didn't ask because it was against the rules for him to test. Ferrari seem to think that the rules don't stand.

Well they obviiosuly don't!

[bud]

Redbull and Torro Rosso have joined Williams in blocking the F60 test.

[shani182]

Redbull and Torro Rosso have joined Williams in blocking the F60 test.

(Y)

[McLaren Fan]

From autosport.com:

Ferrari slates Williams over test block

By Pablo Elizalde Tuesday, August 4th 2009, 13:07 GMT

The Ferrari team has hit out at rival Williams over its decision not to allow Michael Schumacher to test this year's car ahead of his return to action at the European Grand Prix.

Ferrari asked all Formula 1 teams for permission to have a one-day test for Schumacher ahead of the Valencia race, where the German will replace the injured Felipe Massa.

On Tuesday, Ferrari hit out at Williams, saying the team had demonstrated a lack of spirit of fair play. The Italian squad referred to its rival as "a team that hasn't won anything for years."

Ferrari also revealed it had given Toro Rosso its approval to test rookie Jaime Alguersuari ahead of his debut in Hungary.

"Guess who opposed the test with the F60? A team that hasn't won anything for years and yet didn't pass over the opportunity to demonstrate once more a lack of spirit of fair play," Ferrari wrote in its official website under the title 'Indiscretion'.

"Just for the record, the Scuderia Ferrari had given its approval to let Alguersuari test, but it seems even in this instance someone decided to stick to the precise wording of the regulations."

Team boss Frank Williams said on Monday that he welcomed Schumacher back in F1, but that his team would not allow him to test.

"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," Williams said.

"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."

Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz also said yesterday that his teams were opposing the test.

A Williams spokesperson told AUTOSPORT the team was not planning a response.

"I don't think we would wish to dignify Ferrari's statement with a reply," he said.

Ferrari could have kept things professional; their response smacks of snobbery and arrogance. Williams are correct not to rise to Ferrari's statement.

One must also laugh at Ferrari talking about fair play, when, as we all know, they are the biggest cheats in Formula One history. Even as a FOTA members, they don't behave in a sporting way (the slick tyre situation a few days ago).

[McLaren Fan]

From autosport.com:

Schumacher sheds weight for F1 return

By Pablo Elizalde Tuesday, August 4th 2009, 13:36 GMT

Michael Schumacher says he has already lost three kilos as he continues to prepare for his return to grand prix action in Spain.

The seven-time champion admitted, however, that he needs more work on his neck, which is still hurting slightly.

"I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race," Schumacher wrote on his website. "I already lost three kilograms even if it is also important to me to build up muscles. So all in all, the practice works pretty well.

"I only have to admit that my neck pinches a bit. We have to get a grip on that as health has priority - that's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife, too.

"It's on! I accepted the challenge. And as you all know, I really love challenges. It seems as if my fans would love them, too."

Schumacher was also thankful for the support he has received since it was announced he would replace Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix.

"I really would like to thank all my fans who keep their fingers crossed for my plans for all the positive feedback. It's incredible how much support I get from all over the world in these days.

"It almost feels like as if a flush of positive energy is coming over me. Compliments to all of you!"

[Amanda]

On Tuesday, Ferrari hit out at Williams, saying the team had demonstrated a lack of spirit of fair play

I'd say Williams are doing the exact opposite

Ferrari also revealed it had given Toro Rosso its approval to test rookie Jaime Alguersuari ahead of his debut in Hungary.

Whether Ferrari were willing to allow Alguersuari to test or not, the fact is he wasn't allowed in the end therefore I see no reason why Ferrari should be. I wonder which teams opposed Alguersuari's test (probably Williams again)

[bud]

yeah pretty pathetic response from Ferrari.

[scotty]

Ferrari could have kept things professional; their response smacks of snobbery and arrogance. Williams are correct not to rise to Ferrari's statement.

Agreed. I just read that article in complete disbelief at how they could come out with something so laughably conceited.

[7UpJordan]

Ferrari's reaction in Shooting Stars style;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmauUbBKXII