Photo: DTM Media

Schumacher not expecting easy start

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Ralf Schumacher is the hottest subject at the moment for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters of 2008. Despite being a “big name” from Formula One, the German expects no easy times.
“Being an ‘apprentice boy’, it would be great if there would be made some allowances for me, in the beginning. But it also will be fine for me if this isn’t the case,” said Schumacher to DTM.de.

“I already know the major part of my future opponents but I don’t think that this will make them say: ‘Hey, our Ralf is coming. He doesn’t know a lot about DTM, so let him just pass’.”

Mercedes Motorsport boss Norbert Haug do not think the previous F1-driver will have any problems with this and is impressed by his approach to his DTM-drive.

“During the negotiations, Ralf asked neither for a Formula 1 bonus regarding his salary nor for a special status in the team. Compliments for this approach. It couldn’t be better and represents the perfect basis for his new career,” said Haug.

Despite many considering Ralf’s move from Formula One to DTM a step down, the German is very excited over the coming season.

“I’m massively looking forward to the forthcoming season. More than to any of the seasons I contested in the recent past,” said Ralf.
“When I drove Formula Junior and Formula 3 as a support race to DTM – in those days, I dreamt of being on the grid of the main event, sometime.”