formula 1 racing

F1's monotony in hands of press - Montoya
07-23-2004

F1's Bernie Ecclestone has defended the domination of grand prix racing's inevitable seven-times champion by claiming every sport 'needs a superstar.

''[Michael] Schumacher is ours,'' AFP quoted the 73-year-old supremo.

The German, who drives for Ferrari, will match his record for most wins in a season if he conquers Hockenheim and better a world-beating career tally of 80.

Rather than concede boredom is swallowing F1 whole, Ecclestone claims the fortnightly quest to 'beat [Schumacher] is 'great publicity' for the sport.

Bernie said in Germany: ''It is hard to know whether another driver would have [had] the same effect to motivate [Ferrari] after their initial problems.''

Juan Pablo Montoya agrees that Ferrari's domination is only bad for Formula One if the press puts it ''in a bad perspective. It's up to you guys (reporters).

''People think what you write. If you write '[F1] is boring' then everyone is going to think that. If you say it is great ... they will think it is great.''

Schumacher, meanwhile, said he doesn't worry about those who think 'oh no, another Michael-win'. ''I would rather make [my fans] happy,'' the German said.

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