formula 1 racing

News in the Paddock - Saturday 4
09-25-2004

(GMM - Shanghai) Ralf Schumacher is barracking for the survival of F1 stragglers, Jordan and Minardi, to avoid the onset of three-car top teams. ''The last thing we need,'' smiled Williams' German, ''is three Ferrari drivers on the podium every time.''

Fernando Alonso would not mind if the F1 calendar expands to 19 grands prix next season, and 20 by 2006. ''I enjoy being in the car,'' said Renault's Spaniard, ''so I say we should do less testing and more races. It would be good for Formula One.''

Michael Schumacher was not worried when only a small Chinese crowd turned up on Friday to watch the Formula One practice action. ''As far as I know there is a sell-out for Sunday,'' said the Ferrari driver, ''so I guess people's focus is on the race.''

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve described the $304 million Shanghai circuit as ''gorgeous. Maybe it's because I haven't raced yet in 2004,'' said the Canadian, ''but it is a very, very beautiful track. It has a little bit of everything - like an old layout.''

Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya's many hours in a Shanghai-track simulator no doubt helped him acclimatise to the real thing quicker than F1 rivals -- his first lap on Friday was 1.5 seconds faster than any rival.

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