Brawn not sure Pirelli to suit Schumacher in 2011

It is too early to say whether F1’s switch from Bridgestone to Pirelli will make Michael Schumacher more competitive in 2011.

That is the admission of Ross Brawn, the seven time world champion’s Mercedes GP team boss who said the great German had an “encouraging” finish to his F1 comeback in 2010.

The great German celebrated his 42nd birthday this week, but “I didn’t have to think about a present because I already know what he wants — a competitive car”, smiled Brawn.

“I am sure he will have a better time this season,” the Briton told Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport.

It has been suggested that last year’s tyres did not suit Schumacher and that the switch to Pirelli will work in his favour.

“It’s a little premature to say that,” insisted Brawn.

“During the tests in Abu Dhabi we didn’t see any big differences in performance compared with Bridgestone.

“But it is clear that in changing the supplier, the car will have to be different and there may be a lot of changes during the winter tests,” he added.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo poked fun at Schumacher’s comeback performance by suggesting it was the former Ferrari champion’s “twin” at the wheel of the silver Mercedes in 2010.

“Today I would have to say that Michael is definitely not happy with the performance of his twin,” the Italian told the German magazine Sport Bild.

“Should Ferrari have a third car, I would always give it to the old Michael Schumacher, but not to his twin,” added Montezemolo.

© RIF | GMM