Motor racing; Schumacher quick off mark at Ferrari
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Motor racing
DERICK ALLSOP
Michael Schumacher plans to begin his challenge for a third consecutive Formula One title just nine days after the final round of the current championship.
The German, all but confirmed as champion, is scheduled to have his first test drive in a Ferrari at Estoril on 21 November. The Italian team and Benetton- Renault are negotiating for his switch to take effect after the Australian Grand Prix rather than the end of the year. In return Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger will move immediately in the opposite direction.
Schumacher, requiring three points from the remaining three races to deny Damon Hill the title, has consistently contended the Williams-Renault driver is favourite next year and that his realistic target is to reclaim the championship in 1997.
Schumacher's team-mate at Benetton, Johnny Herbert, appears close to securing a contract for next year with Tyrrell-Yamaha in place of Japan's Ukyo Katayama, who returns after a one-race absence in Sunday's Pacific Grand Prix.
Herbert has also had discussions with Sauber-Ford, and although another Englishman, Mark Blundell, about to be released by McLaren-Mercedes, seems to have moved ahead of him in the queue, that job may still be given back to the Austrian, Karl Wendlinger.
The other present McLaren driver, Mika Hakkinen, misses Sunday's race following an operation to remove his appendix.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments