GERMANY: SCHUMACHER CHALLENGES JOURNALISTS TO GO KART RACE

(23 Jul 1996) German/Eng/Nat Michael Schumacher will be hoping he can end a series of disastrous performances this weekend, when he races in front of a home crowd at the German Grand Prix. But before the race in Hockenheim he took time out from his Formula One practice to take-on journalists in a rather less sophisticated racing machine -- the go-kart. And unusually for Michael - his car lasted all the way to the end of the contest. Posing for the cameras with his Formula one car - Michael Schumacher must have been hoping that this time his red Ferrari will carry him all the way to the finish line. Schumacher’s ride in the last three Grand Prix has been anything but smooth. A series of mechanical problems have forced him to drop out of races early and now he is well behind the leaders. But on Monday he tried out a more reliable machine. Kitted out in his flame proof jump suit and his safety helmet he got behind the wheel of a slightly cheaper racing vehicle. And he dueled with journalists around the go kart course in Mannheim. After a hard fought race - he beat off his rivals to be first to the chequered flag. SOUNDBITE: (English) Q: Which do you like more - go-kart racing or Formula One? “Actually I love go-carting. You can’t compare it to Formula One racing. It’s a fantastic sport just to enjoy yourself and have some fun. Relax. Great fun. Q: When was the last time you go-carted? “ I think, Magny Cours. We had a competition there between journalists and myself.“ Q: When was the last time you go-karted with your brother? “It’s been a while ago. Don’t know when actually.“ Q: Hockenheim - you think first place? “I’d like to finish the race and be on the podium.“ SUPER CAPTION: Michael Schumacher, Formula One Ferrari driver Despite all the problems he has had Schumacher says he still believes in Ferrari and may sign a contract for another year sometime in the next few weeks. The setbacks have not hit Ferrari’s multi-million dollar merchandising operation. This year so far fans have bought some 43-million U-S dollars worth of memorabilia. All that lies ahead of Schumacher’s brother Ralf. Ralf is 21 - six years younger than his more famous brother - has ambitions of his own. He is currently racing in Japan but some day he too hopes to take part in the big races. SOUNDBITE: (English) “I mean my aim is Formula One. And I try very hard on it. It’s a bit early to say you know. But I have got the chance to test the McLaren Mercedes and I am very happy about that. We must have a look after this.“ SUPER CAPTION: Ralf Schumacher, Brother of Michael Ralf and Michael’s parents Elizabeth and Rolf tend to watch most of the races on television. They say it’s easier on their nerves. SOUNDBITE: (German) “My wife and I are very nervous during races. We are always pleased when the race is over. That is logical. It would be lying to say something else. But we are of course pleased with what are sons are doing.“ SUPERCAPTION: Rolf Schumacher, Father Michael Schumacher’s history in car racing is quite impressive. He has won 19 out of the 70 Grand Prix’s he has raced in. Last year and the year before he was the Formula One World Leader. But this year his success seems to have deserted him. After ten of the 16 Formula One races behind him, Schumacher has accumulated just 26 points. He’s far behind Damon Hill who leads the pack with 63 points. In front of a home crowd at Hockenheim this weekend - he’s hoping to pull himself back up the drivers’ table. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: