A chat between Batistuta & Schumacher

It happened on Tuesday, February 16 at the Mugello race track in Maranello, near the Ferrari factory. Michael Schumacher and Gabriel Batistuta met and continued forming the friendship born several months ago on a television show. The Formula 1 champion said he loved football and admired Batistuta. The Argentine loves Formula 1 racing and admires Schumacher. There they promised to meet again. During a rest from racing tests, both greeted each other and spoke together while being watched by the mechanics. They spoke in Italian for almost one hour.

Bati: I couldn't believe the speed of that car. I could see the difference between this one and the one before. How much faster is this one?

Schumacher: Eddie (Irvine) was testing with the old F340 and I with the F399. I was 3 or 4 seconds faster. And there remains room to go faster still.

Bati: Yes, but now you are using Bridgestone tires. Is there much difference from the traditional Good Year tire that you used last year?

Schumacher: Enough. Japanese tires are better, they have more adherence and they don't cost as much. McLaren and Williams used them in '98 and they went well, but let me ask you how is your injury?

Bati: Much better. I don't need the crutches and I'm walking without problems. I went to see a doctor in Belgium who assured me that in a month I would be training as usual.

Schumacher: Great. So you can still win the title of top scorer in the league, but look at the chance you are giving to the rest to catch you.

Bati: No, the most important thing is for me to recuperate totally and for Fiorentina to win the scudetto, those are my priorities.

Schumacher: Did you see my national team? They gave up 3 goals to the United States. It was a real blow to our pride.

Bati: In Copa America '95 in Uruguay, the same thing happened to us. But that's the way it is in football. Can't win all the time. Would you like Williams to win all the time?

Schumacher: Depends, if I drive for them, yes. Ha Ha Ha. There are a lot of problems with Edmundo?

Bati: Enough problems. He is a very special person, very individual. He was given some privileges by the society that angered many other people. Why don't you come seen the game against Roma? I would like for you to come and sit with me in the stands.

Schumacher: We have to see how the tests go with Ferrari. If I have the time I will fly in my plane to Florence. Anything you want.

They vigorously shake hands and share mutual admirations. Schumacher gets into his race car and speeds away. Bati gets into his silver Mercedes and heads for Florence with a happier heart.

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