Younger brother of double world champion Michael Schumacher.
Ralf has been working hard to build a reputation in his own right. In 1991 he took home
the NRW Cup, the Gold Cup and the Junior Karting Championship crown, and the following
year he went on to finish 2nd in the German National Series.
By 1995 Schumacher had progressed up the motorsports ladder and was competing in Formula
3, winning the prestigious F3 World Final in Macau and was runner-up at the Monaco F3
Grand Prix. These results brought the offer of a test with the Le Mans F3000 Team in
Suzuka. Schumacher was offered the drive for 1996 and took up the challenge, moving to the
Far East to take part in the All Nippon F3000 Championship. Ralf emerged triumphant
claiming the Championship crown at the very last race of the season.
Now something of hot property in the driver market, Schumacher tested for McLaren before
signing to drive with Jordan in 1997. However, his first season was a disappointment. It
began well enough with a podium at the Argentinean Grand Prix - but even this was not
without controversy in a season when the young German seemed to attract more than his fair
share. Schumacher's self belief got the better of him in the race, taking of team-mate
Giancarlo Fisichella to secure his own podium result - a move that did little to impress
the team despite his fine result. Ralf Schumacher had proved that he had the speed,
although Jordan's reliability and a number of "offs" have not helped his cause
in his debut year. S
Again with Jordan in 1998, Schumacher lined up with Damon Hill as his team-mate. The two
drivers could not be more different in terms of attitude and lifestyle, but despite this
they have got on well and managed to develop what was an awful chassis into a competitive
proposition. After a poor start to the 1998 season, when Jordan and Schumacher had more
than a few disagreements, Schumacher has proved that he has settled as a driver with fewer
silly mistakes and some very good race performances.
The future is bright for the younger brother of Michael, with potential drives at Williams
Mecachrome, Jordan Mugen Honda and British American Racing believed to be on the table.
Perhaps Ralf will be able to gibe Michael a run for his money in 1999?
Click Here For BIOGRAPHY of RALF
SCHUMACHER
