Schumacher has stated that one of his strengths is that he watches other drivers, and quickly learns what to do, and what not to do. And his technique quickly reminds me of Kenny Roberts, who revolutionized motorcycle Grand Prix racing with his unique technique.
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The motorcycle technology of the late 1970s featured engines with power in excess of what the frames and tires of the day could accommodate. Roberts' riding style, bred on the dirt tracks of America, revolutionized road racing. Prior to his arrival in Europe, riders focused on attaining high entry speeds into corners, leaving braking until the last possible moment then, carving graceful arcs through the corners with both wheels in line. Roberts did just the opposite, braking early then, quickly applying the throttle which resulted in the rear tire breaking traction and spinning. The resulting tire spin caused the motorcycle to buck and shake as it continually lost then regained traction, creating a brutal, violent riding style that no one had ever seen before on the racetracks of Europe. His riding style was reminiscent of dirt track riding, where sliding the rear tire to one side is used as a method to steer the motorcycle around a corner. Because of his early application of the throttle, he was able to attain top speed faster than his competitors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_RobertsIf I ever had a question to ask Schumacher, it would be whether he was a student of Roberts, and took some of that technique into four wheel racing. Because both attained the same method, early brake, quickest through the corners.
But it sure was a joy to watch a young Michael Schumacher, he was quick.
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