Formula One great Michael Schumacher said yesterday that two deaths which have stunned motorsports were "fate", as he backed safety standards at the new Indian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion said drivers would race at full pelt this weekend despite the IndyCar and MotoGP tragedies, and even though the
drivers' and constructors' titles had already been won.
"We can't think, while we drive, that we put ourselves in danger. We push our cars to the limit - that's what we feel comfortable with. That will be the same here this weekend," Schumacher said.
"Fate is something we all have to face sooner or later. I'm certainly very much touched with what has happened for both the drivers we have lost but, unfortunately, we have to say that's life."
This month's deaths of British Indycar driver Dan Wheldon and MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli have cast a sombre tone over preparations for India's first grand prix at the purpose-built Buddh International Circuit. But Schumacher said despite dust coating, the challenging layout near New Delhi and top speeds of up to 320km/h, the course's in-built safety features should keep drivers secure. "To have total safety, I think that is absolutely impossible, in any part of life," he said.
