Schumacher finally makes impact on America

Mike Harris

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2000 | 5:36 a.m.

INDIANAPOLIS - The man considered the world's best race driver is a virtual unknown in America.

On a recent visit to New York, Formula One ace Michael Schumacher and his wife sat through a meal at a Manhattan restaurant without a single interruption - no autographs, no pictures.

"It was so different from what I have to deal with in the rest of the world," Schumacher said. "But maybe it won't be that way anymore."

The 31-year-old German driver should be more well known to U.S. fans after dominating the first United States Grand Prix in nine years on Sunday.

When F1 last ran in this country Schumacher was just getting started. He missed the season-opening race in Phoenix, made his debut for Jordan in Belgium and finished the season with five races for Benetton, the team for which he was to win championships in 1994 and 1995.

Without question, he is the biggest name in F1 now. Until Sunday, that didn't mean much in the United States.

A crowd estimated at 220,000 showed up at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch the inaugural F1 race at America's most historic track. Most of them came away more than a little impressed with Schumacher.

During the 73-lap race, Schumacher made a great outside pass to take the lead from David Coulthard, pulled away to leads of nearly a half-lap on the new 2.6-mile, 13-turn Indy road circuit and easily overcame an uncharacteristic lapse of concentration that caused him to spin with just five laps to go.

He beat Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello by more than 12 seconds, crossing the finish line with no one in his rearview mirror.

"Michael usually is not so spectacular," Coulthard said. "He just does whatever it takes in a given situation. He is a great driver."

Perhaps most important, the victory moved Schumacher eight points ahead of two-time defending series champion Mika Hakkinen with two races remaining. If he holds the lead, Schumacher will give Ferrari its first driving champion since Jody Scheckter in 1979.

If Schumacher is so good, why has it been four years since his last championship?

"The car and engine for Ferrari have been in constant development over the last few years," Schumacher said. "We have been capable of winning, but have just been a little lacking. Now, the whole package is here."

Even without recent titles, Schumacher's talent is clear.

The Indy win, his 42nd, moved him out of a tie for second on the career list with the late Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian was considered by many the best ever at the time of his death in 1994, in a crash in Imola, Italy.

F1 leader Alain Prost's 51 victories are now within sight for Schumacher, who has won seven times this season.

Is Schumacher the best ever?

"I cannot make that judgment," he said. "I do my job and, if I win races and championships, it means I am doing it well."

But others are not so reluctant to talk about Schumacher's greatness.

"That's Michael," said Jean Todt, Ferrari's managing director. "He does not make statements about his ability with his mouth, only with his driving. That is the proof he is the best."

On the net:

Michael Schumacher: http://www.michaelschumacher.org