Renault and BMW considered the outsiders!

The seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher believes Renault and BMW are capable of improving in this 2008 season and could well threaten Ferrari and McLaren at the top of this sport.

Fernando Alonso left McLaren to return to Renault, with whom he won his two titles in 2005 and 2006. BMW finished second last season after McLaren was stripped of all its points in the constructors’ championship.

« I expect next year a great battle between Ferrari and McLaren for first place, and then I see Renault and BMW being able to close the gap that separates them from the top two, » said Schumacher, the new consultant for Ferrari.

The German also added that Honda’s recruitment of Ross Brawn, former Ferrari technical director, as ‘team principal’ is a step forward for the Japanese team.

Ross is the man for the job to help Honda get back on track because he is very intelligent. But it will take time.

Schumacher, who left F1 at the end of the 2006 season after winning 91 Grand Prix races in what is considered the most impressive record in history, came out of retirement to participate with Ferrari in the tests in Barcelona and Jerez late last year.

The 39-year-old German said he would probably test again for the Scuderia before the season starts in Melbourne on March 16. And this, even though Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa are still indispensable for Ferrari.

« It is practically certain that at some point, I will be in the car. If the team wishes and to some extent, I am happy to do so. It would probably be more reasonable to do this before the championship resumes, » he said.

« I will come to certain races, mostly in Europe. I don’t really like traveling. »

Stefano Domenicali became the team boss this season, replacing Jean Todt who will be the brand’s CEO. Schumacher stated that the transition went smoothly!

« All the changes that have taken place are aimed at strengthening the team. I do not believe they will weaken Ferrari; they will improve the overall situation. »

« Stefano is very well known … and in addition to that, he will have Jean by his side to support him at any time if he needs it, » concluded Schumacher.