Haug: « Ralf will be a new man in DTM »

Mercedes-Benz boss Norbert Haug believes that Ralf Schumacher will gain a new image in the 2008 season thanks to his move to the DTM series.

The younger brother of the seven-time F1 world champion was confirmed on Monday at Mercedes-Benz for one year.

And even if Schumacher has never been the most popular F1 driver, Haug expects him to receive a very different reception from the fans in DTM.

« Thanks to Ralf’s attitude during the tests, I am convinced that the DTM will turn him into a new man, or at least a new driver with skills and focus that will invite fans and his team to support him, » said Haug.

Ralf will soon have a new image, and I think that during his first year, it will not be based on his results but on his commitment to oppose other drivers. It will be tough for him with very strong competition; he will improve step by step.

« I admire Ralf for his commitment to competition, I consider him a good sportsman who is fully motivated, » he continued.

Despite its growing popularity, Haug thinks that the German will not be able to fight for the top positions.

« It is clear that in DTM, Ralf will have to get used to starting positions with a double-digit number. During his learning year, it is likely that he will be in the last third of the starting grid rather than in the second third. »

« But Ralf said he was ready to design this and our technical team will fully support him, » added Haug.

He also confirmed that Schumacher’s past as an F1 driver would not grant him any special status within the German team.

Ralf did not ask us for special treatment because he came from F1. He does not need a special status within the team and extra compliments for his attitude.