Ralf: BMW can challenge Ferrari, McLaren

Ralf Schumacher believes BMW can challenge Ferrari and McLaren in this year`s world championship after their strong start to 2008.

The former Formula One driver, who is about to embark on his first season in the DTM with Mercedes-Benz, disagrees with his brother Michael`s assessment that BMW will fade from the front during the season, and says that it is only a matter of time before the Swiss-based team become consistent front-runners.

“After all, BMW knows how to succeed,” said Ralf. “Those not too young possibly will remember that I won several F1 races at the wheel of a Williams-BMW, five years ago.

“McLaren-Mercedes and Ferrari certainly will be battling at the very front of the field but BMW also has got what it takes to win - no doubt.

“Therefore, I think that the fight for the 2008 championship will turn out to be a battle of those three teams.”

When asked which of the five German drivers on this year`s Formula One grid would be most successful, Schumacher replied: “Nick Heidfeld.

“With two races contested, Nick holds a promising position in the drivers` championship standings and BMW Sauber has secured good results, in the first two rounds of the season,” he said.

3.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ BMW, Ferrari, McLaren    ▪ www.autosport.com