Schumacher gets ready for hearing, Williams/McLaren deny allegations
© 1997 ATLAS F1

Monday November 10, 1997

Michael Schumacher will face the FIA council in London tomorrow. He has been summoned there to explain the incident between him and Villeneuve during the last race of the season. Schumacher seemed to try and take Villeneuve off as the Canadian was trying to pass him. Schumacher has stated that this move on his part was an error of judgement.

Tomorrows hearing will attract a lot of media attention also because the Williams and McLaren team were accused of 'fixing' the race, with a one-two for McLaren. Both teams have strongly denied the report printed in the London Times.

Frank Williams stated: "We understand that the contents of the tapes have been distributed widely by Ferrari. I am very disappointed to discover that Ferrari are listening to other teams during the races. Disappointed -- but not really surprised."

On one of tapes there was some talk between the Williams grew and Villeneuve: "Hakkinen quite quick and very helpful. Be aware that Hakkinen is now position two. He probably wants to win. Very helpful." And on the last lap: Hakkinen has been very helpful, Jacques. Position two. Don't let me down, Jacques. We discussed this." But Villeneuve didn't end second but third. Villeneuve stated he just didn't want to risk losing the championship.

This was not the first time Schumacher was involved in such an incident. Almost everybody can remember the crash with Damon Hill, which gave him his first championship title. He also had a shunt with Hakkinen in a Formula Three race and was even punched by Derek Warwick after a Group C sports car incident. He has also been in extreme argument with Ayrton Senna after a 'brake test' in 1992.

Tomorrows meeting can have many outcomes. The German could, at it's worst, be disqualified from one or more races next season. But he could also lose some points of this year and receive a heavy fine. Schumacher himself excpect some sort of punishment.


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