Schu to be ’Todt assistant’
(GMM) Ferrari and Michael Schumacher steered clear of detail on Sunday after announcing that the retired seven time world champion would be CEO Jean Todt's 'assistant' in 2007 and beyond.
Todt said: "We are going to try to use Michael's vast knowledge and experience of the sport for technical and strategic decisions.
"He is not going to have to be in an office or even at tests or grands prix," the Frenchman added, "but he will be an invaluable resource for important decisions."
Schumacher, 37, also indicated at Monza on Sunday that the 'assistant' role is not yet fully defined by insisting that his immediate priority is a short break with his family.
"In December I will begin my new life," the German explained, "and over the coming weeks I will consider how I can contribute in the future to Ferrari."
10/29/06 (GMM) The word from the 'World Finals' event at Monza is that Michael Schumacher is to become an 'assistant' to Ferrari CEO and managing director Jean Todt in 2007.
It is further understood that Frenchman Todt, 60, is not planning to attend all grands prix in 2007, with his role as team principal taken over by Stefano Domenicali.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo clarified that Domenicali – 'an important man' – will liaise with sponsors, the governing body, and other teams and drivers.
But even though the Maranello based team is also losing technical director Ross Brawn, Montezemolo insisted that he did not fear for the future of the red camp.
"I think there is no risk that we will not have a competitive team for 2007," the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport quoted the Italian chief as saying.