FORD: TIGERS CAN AVOID DROP
Proud mum sees Schumacher Jr follow in legend’s footsteps for Ferrari SNOOKER CHINA OPEN GALLAGHER ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP
MICK SCHUMACHER followed in his father’s footsteps yesterday – and proud mum Corinna was there to see it all.
The son of seven-time world champion Michael made his Formula One test debut in Bahrain, the first time since 2006 that the Schumacher name flashed on the Ferrari timesheets.
He took part in the opening day of the post-Bahrain Grand Prix test – his first official outing in F1 – before switching to Alfa Romeo today.
The 20-year-old is signed up to the famed Ferrari Driver Academy and this drive was an early chance for Ferrari to assess whether he has the ability to emulate his dad.
He lived up to the hype immediately, almost finishing BIG names John Higgins, Mark Williams and Judd Trump all suffered shock defeats in the first round of the China Open.
With Ronnie O’Sullivan not in
Beijing and world No.2 Mark Selby – the title holder – having lost on Monday, the trio of leading seeds were expected to make an impact. a rain-affected day with the leading time but was pipped by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen’s last-gasp effort.
A delighted Schumacher said: “I really enjoyed today. It felt like home in the garage from the very first moment with a lot of people that know me since I was very young.
“The SF90 is incredible because of the power it has, but it is also smooth to drive, and that’s why I enjoyed myself so much.
“I would like to say thank you to Ferrari for this However, world champion Williams was beaten 6-4 by Ken Doherty, while Trump lost out 6-5 to Robbie Williams. Four-time Crucible champ Higgins (left) lost 6-2 to Joe O’Connor, who only turned pro last year. Higgins said: “My confidence was at a low ebb so this will compound it. I might take my family on holiday for a week.” incredible opportunity and I’m looking forward to test the Alfa Romeo tomorrow.” The test was also his first experience of a modern F1 car, although he did drive his father’s 1994 title-winning Benetton at Spa before last year’s Belgian Grand Prix. Coincidentally, the Ferrari whizz-kid’s bow yesterday came at the Bahrain circuit where, 15 years ago, his father won the first Grand Prix in the Middle East. Schumacher Sr ( far right), arguably the most successful driver with a record 91 Grand Prix victories, won five of his titles with Ferrari in a golden period from 2000 to 2004. Ferrari Academy driver Schumacher (right) made his
HIGGINS & CO HUMBLED
F2 debut over the weekend with the Prema team and is relishing the opportunities ahead to continue his development.
Former double world champion Fernando Alonso (left), who spent five seasons at Ferrari, hopes it will not be long before Schumacher Jnr gets his shot at a Grand Prix drive.
He said: “It’s better to go as early as you can.
“You never know when the train will come in Formula One when you are young.
“He’s F2 this year, that’s the full concentration, I guess, for him to do a good championship.
“If he does well and an F1 team relies on your talent, you have to take that train.” in
It felt like home in the Ferrari garage.. they have known me since I was a kid
MIKE FORD, parachuted in on a mission to save Leicester from relegation, insists England’s biggest rugby club will beat the drop.
The respected coach (left) has been appointed on a short-term deal at a club where his son George is one of six current England stars. Yet the Tigers have lost 16 of their last 19 games and are five points from the foot of the Premiership.
“What I see here is a world-class squad,” said Ford, who was brought in as a senior coach at the request of head coach Geordan Murphy.
“We have got worldclass players across the board. That is why I believe Leicester won’t get relegated.
“But if we think all we’ve got to do is turn up and we’ll be fine, then we’ll be in trouble.”
■ Gloucester fly-half Danny Cipriani, 31, has signed a new, extended contract with the club.