I find it hard to split Schumacher and Fangio as the best of all time, but Schumacher edges it simply as he was the modern incarnation. I think they had the biggest gulf to the rest as complete drivers. If the 2011 All Blacks played the 1973 All Blacks it would be a cricket score, so... I loved Barcelona '95, finishing 2nd in a car stuck in 5th gear for most of the race. I loved Monaco '97 and Barcelona '96 in the wet. Most of all, I love that he went to Ferrari, saying it was for the challenge, and he wan't interested in the history, when I think he knew what a big deal it would be for the sport bringing Ferrari back to the front, and I never got bored watching him win. I seem to recall Peter Windsor was one who felt we should enjoy watching his work in that era, because it was so outstanding. I had no problem with Adelaide '95; Hill was ambitious going for a gap, and it didn't come off. Jerez '97 was over the top, but all the greats have their dark moments. I had no problem with Austria 2001/2, Ferrari had lost enough titles to make them take no chances. Fangio wasn't averse to taking over a teammate's car, neither was Moss. I know he hasn't got the results in his comeback, but he's 42, and I think the lack of testing has hurt him more than anything; that, and it's hard to be at the top level in such a demanding sport for so long. But, at Canada and Silverstone he looked quick. He hasn't bitched, or blamed anyone for the lack of results, which is more than I can say for a lot of good Grand Prix drivers over the years. I don't think the standard of drivers is any better or worse than any era. Jody Scheckter was right, it can't really be measured, but chances are there's going to be a lot of hungry, talented guys out there in good cars, fighting, fifty years ago, and now, and in the future. Schumacher was so fast, technically strong, disciplined and fit that noone else was going to have a chance most of the time. I think breaking his leg probably cost him the title in '99, and he never went to the other big teams of the era, Williams and McLaren. I think the overall excellence of these guys is made up of their approach to every aspect of the job, every test, every debrief and race and session in the gym. He got it right most of the time. Who knows if Mika Salo had more natural talent? A lot of guys had the physical ability and balls and racecraft to win 60 or 70 Grands Prix. He won 91, and got at least one every year between 1992 and 2006, which I think is outrageously impressive. And... I still think he can get some results for Mercedes next year. If he doesn't, it won't change my view, I reckon he's the best ever.
