Ralf shakes off brother tag

(27-Jul-98) - Ralf Schumacher went a long way to proving he is his own man
-- and not just the younger brother of two-times world champion Michael --
when he endured a hard-fought battle with his Ferrari rival en route to
fifth place in the Austrian Grand Prix.

The Jordan driver, who finished in the points for the second race running,
said that he had never had a problem treating Michael as any other driver
-- but that perhaps the public's perception was wrong all along.

"I saw him closing in very slowly, so I thought I could stay ahead
until the chequered flag," admitted Ralf. "It was a clean fight,
but in the end it didn't work out for me because I destroyed my front tyre.

"I treat Michael like a normal racing driver. He enjoyed it as much as
I did. It was excellent.

"People should understand that I drive for Jordan while Michael drives
for Ferrari. I am fighting for points and I will give a fair fight to
everybody. That is what motor racing is all about."

Michael added: "He was obviously fast and he is there to race and not
give me presents. He raced in a very fair way and I really enjoyed
it."

Team boss Eddie Jordan revealed: "I think people who thought Ralf
would be an easy touch for his brother will have to think again."

--- Msged/386 4.20 beta 4