Brawn salutes 'inspirational' Schumacher

Michael Schumacher has been hailed as "an inspirational figure" by the man who been instrumental in his rise to power.

It may be a cliché, but Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has been the brains behind Schumacher's domination of Formula One.

Brawn has played a leading role in all of Schumacher's seven world titles, the first two with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and then the five in a row with Ferrari from 2000.

But on Sunday there will finally be a parting of the ways as the Brazilian Grand Prix is Schumacher's last after 16 seasons in F1.

Interlagos, a ramshackle yet riveting circuit set in a suburb of sprawling Sao Paulo, is the setting for the final race of the 37-year-old German's remarkable career.

Arrogant, distant, cold are some of the descriptive phrases that have been applied to Schumacher over the years, mainly by those he has left trailing in his wake. Yet to someone who knows him far better than most, Schumacher is a team player, unselfish, cool, calm and composed.

"We've a group of people at Ferrari who have been exceptional in all areas, and we've been fortunate in putting the right people together at the right time," assessed Manchester-born Brawn.

"Michael's been a key element because he has been such a great example to people of the team player he is.

"He's not a guy who comes to the factory and says you must do this or that. He'll come to the factory and thank people for what they've done, explain what the car is doing and he'll demonstrate his commitment and expect people to do the same.

"I would say he's been an inspirational figure. For him to come to the factory and talk to designers and people like that means a huge amount to them. He's been very good in that respect.

"I've seen drivers come and ago, and most of them have just looked after number one, but Michael is unusual in that he is just as concerned in the team, its wellbeing and how it works as anyone. That's been one of his strengths over the years.

"What also struck me the other day is that Michael has never had a bad period," reflected Brawn.

"He might have the odd race, or very rarely two races that don't work for him, but he's always performed at the top level all the time.

"The fact he has been so consistent at the top, and has featured in virtually every world championship - either challenging for it or going close throughout his career - is outstanding.

"Then there is his composure which is exceptional. He never loses control or his temper with the people he works with. He is a firm character - as he has to be - but he always has this composure, both in and out of the car.

"On top of that there is his sheer speed. He has all these attributes, but it means nothing if you don't have the speed.

"As you can imagine, I'm sorry to see him go, but I'm delighted he is finishing this season showing the strengths and competitiveness he has."

Schumacher has one last chance to display such characteristics and maybe walk away with a record-extending eighth title.

The odds are against him as he must win tomorrow and hope Fernando Alonso fails to finish in the points, otherwise the Renault driver becomes a back-to-back world champion.

Beyond tomorrow, whatever happens, it appears certain Schumacher will continue to play a role within Ferrari.

"He still has a huge amount to give to Ferrari," added Brawn.

"He works so well with the engineers and understands so well how things work that there could be a technical benefit.

"Obviously, commercially there is huge potential for Michael and Ferrari on the racing and road-car side.

"But the best thing now is that he needs to reflect on the end of his racing career and see what he wants to do next."