Scuderia Schumi Rosso?
Schumacher on verge of Formula One team buy-out By Ted Macauley, Special to Gulf News Grand Prix legend Michael Schumacher is on the brink of a multi-million-pound Formula One team buy-out. That's the rumour sweeping the elite race scene as the mega-wealthy German seeks to fill his time after 15 action-packed years as a frontline star. He could be set to do an Abramovich with the Scuderia Toro Rosso team, the Red Bull second-string outfit. And after amassing around a billion pounds with wages and worldwide business spin-offs the record-busting seven-times champion is well equipped for a takeover. He wants to link up with Ross Brawn, the mastermind behind all his world titles, to form F1's dream team. Ready to return And I understand the ex-Ferrari driver and team technical wizard Brawn, now enjoying a world-wandering sabbatical, have already formulated a plan to re-enter F1 as big-time bosses. Schumacher, based in a stunning lakeside mansion in Switzerland with his wife and two children, is restless already for a return and he says: "Formula One has given me everything - and I'd like to give something back." Ferrari, mindful of his status value, want him to stay on in an ambassadorial role - but he hasn't nodded that idea through. His long-time manager and best pal, Willi Weber hasn't ruled out a Schuey Grand prix grab at billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz's showy Toro Rosso team. He revealed: "It is only one thought - but I can see the sense in Michael buying out an existing operation." F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says: "Michael has been such a fantastic figure, a real legend, he would be welcome back to the scene in any capacity. He could count on my help anytime." Weber, hinting that Brawn would be the power behind the Schuey throne, added: "Even if he did have his own team there would be somebody else running it for him." After amassing around a billion pounds with wages and worldwide business spin-offs, the record-busting seven-times champion is well equipped for a takeover... http:///sport/Motor_.../10113604.html