UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Spanish steward slammed by Weber

Prejudice accusastion by Schu manager

May 31 (GMM) Willi Weber has accused one of the stewards who sent Michael Schumacher to the back of the grid in Monte Carlo of prejudice.

This week, Joaquin Verdegay defended his ruling that the Ferrari driver deliberately wrecked title rival Fernando Alonso's quest for pole position by parking his car at Rascasse.

''This gentleman is a Spaniard, just like Alonso,'' Schumacher's 63-year-old manager and countryman, referring to Verdegay, told 'Bild' newspaper.

Weber said: ''It was therefore not a good idea to let him be a judge in this matter.

''Would you let a wolf make a judgement against Red Riding-Hood?!''

Weber ridiculed Verdegay's assertion that Schumacher left evidence of his guilt by braking much more strongly than usual in the moments before obstructing the circuit.

He said: ''If you make a mistake and lose control of your car, then of course you brake more. Anyone who drives a normal car knows that.

''This supposed 'proof' is ridiculous.''

Schumacher's long-time manager also denied that the 37-year-old German was planning to apologise to his fellow drivers in order to prevent a crisis in the 'GPDA'.

''Apologise? For what?'' Weber insisted.

''Michael has the greatest respect for his colleagues, but what they might demand and what Michael does are two separate things.

''This will all soon be forgotten, especially if he wins the next grand prix at Silverstone.''

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo joined Schumacher's defence, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy: ''I particularly don't like it when a presumption of guilt can decide the world championship.''

Written: Wed, 31 May 2006 09:49:34