Schumacher to Drive New Chassis in Spain

Michael Schumacher will not only drive a newly-developed Mercedes W01 in the Spanish Grand Prix next month, but he will apparently race on an entirely new chassis. A couple of weeks ago, we had reported to you that the Brackley based team was developing a new chassis due to be debuted in Spain, as the initial W01 had some flaws that were tough to scrap with a few updates.

However, it was uncertain whether the team will bring the new chassis to racing status by Spain – as it would have to undergo a new FIA crash test prior to its debut – or make it available from the second European race, in Monte Carlo. Apparently, the German will drive the new chassis from as early as Catalonia.

“I think we need to replace his chassis for Barcelona,” Haug is quoted as saying by the German broadcaster Sky, as reported by the GMM news agency. Additionally, he assured the fans that “Michael has not forgotten how to drive,” amid his visible struggles in the recently completed Chinese Grand Prix. He did not mention whether Schu's teammate Nico Rosberg will also benefit from a new chassis in Spain or not.

Team principal Ross Brawn did not issue any comments regarding Schumacher's next car in Spain, but admitted his baffle over the German's poor pace in Shanghai. If the 7-time world champion was on an ascending trend as compared to his teammate Nico Rosberg – meaning he was closing the gap on the 24-year old – the Chinese GP showed exactly the opposite.

Rosberg played down reports that his back-to-back podium appearances this season have made him leading driver of the Mercedes GP outfit, insisting that it will continue to be an open fight between him and Schumacher until the final round.

“It's definitely not the case. It's even between us. Of course I'm very, very happy with the way it's going for me, but we both get the same possibilities,” said the German driver.