Schumacher may be Germany's fastest taxi driver

kang · 12-12-2007, 07:03 AM

BERLIN (AFP) - Michael Schumacher may well be the fastest taxi driver in Germany after the seven-times world champion shocked a cab driver by taking over the wheel in order to be on time for a flight.

Schumacher, 38, flew into the aerodrome at the Bavarian town of Coburg on Saturday and took a taxi to the village of Gehuelz, 30 kilometres away, to pick up a new puppy - an Australian Shepherd dog called "Ed".

But when the former Formula One ace, plus his wife and two children, caught a taxi back to the airport they were short on time and, after a polite request, cab driver Tuncer Yilmaz watched in wonder as Schumacher took the wheel.

"I found myself in the passenger seat, which was strange enough, but to have "Schumi" behind the wheel of my cab was incredible," Mr Yilmaz told the Muenchner Abendzeitung.

"He drove at full throttle around the corners and over-took in some unbelievable places."

Mr Yilmaz was well rewarded for the unusual journey - on top of the 60 euros (88 US dollars) fare, he was also given a 100 euros (146 US dollars) tip.

Schumacher's spokesperson Sabine Kehm later confirmed the story.

The German track ace, who now lives in Switzerland, retired from Formula One in 2006 after a glittering career and, despite test drives for his old team Ferarri, has insisted there is no chance of a return to racing.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071211/en_afp/autopreixgerschumacheroffbeat;_ylt=AvkohmlVVn1M_oI .d9z5ZhADW7oF

chapo · 12-12-2007, 07:05 AM

Bet he could beat Alonso and Hamilton racing the taxi

sammyg2 · 12-12-2007, 08:22 AM

Driving fast in a taxi on the street should be easy for him, he wouldn't have to worry about getting hit by Sato

Seric · 12-12-2007, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Driving fast in a taxi on the street should be easy for him, he wouldn't have to worry about getting hit by Sato

rofl, so true

What a lifetime experience to hand over the wheel to Schumi and then have your life flash before your eyes.

rfuerst911sc · 12-12-2007, 01:19 PM

Looks like he paved the way for his brothers new career. Naah I doubt Ralph can drive a taxi either!!!

Joeaksa · 12-12-2007, 05:45 PM

Schumacher Stuns Cabbie In Airport Dash

Updated:09:44, Wednesday December 12, 2007

A taxi driver in Germany was shocked when he expected to take Michael Schumacher to the airport - and found himself as the passenger.

The seven-times Formula One champion had flown with his wife and two children to the Bavarian town of Coburg on Saturday.

They then took a taxi to the village of Gehuelz, 30km away, to pick up a new puppy - an Australian sheep dog called Ed.

But when the 38-year-old motor racing star and his family caught a taxi back to the airport they were short on time - and got stuck in traffic.

After a polite request, cab driver Tuncer Yilmaz watched amazed as Schumacher took the wheel.

Schumacher, 38, told stunned Tuncer Yilmaz: "You don't have a problem with that, do you? I've got a licence."

The Turkish cabbie told how Schumacher hurtled round corners in the Opel and made the flight with just seconds to spare.

"I found myself in the passenger seat, which was strange enough, but to have 'Schumi' behind the wheel of my cab was incredible," he told the Muenchner Abendzeitung.

"He drove at full throttle around the corners and overtook in some unbelievable places.

"He did the impossible, passing everything, like the professional he is.

"He took the curves with elegance and grace, they just vaporised. It was the turbo-charged experience of my lifetime."

And the cabbie was well rewarded - on top of the 60 euros (£43) fare, he was given a 100 euros (£72) tip.

"He also gave me his autograph," said Mr Yilmaz. "It was the coolest ride of my life. And the fastest."

But he would not reveal how fast the former champion drove, saying: "I don't want him to get into trouble."

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1296666,00.html

KNS · 12-12-2007, 05:52 PM

You can bet that your average Mercedes or BMW taxi cab is going to handle a heck of a lot better than a Crown Vic!

legion · 12-12-2007, 05:54 PM

It was an Opel. (GM)

SlowToady · 12-12-2007, 06:04 PM

Completely irresponsible, putting not only the life of the taxi driver in danger, but also Schumi's own wife, children, and God only knows who else. He could have KILLED someone, or multiple someones, for that matter. And for WHAT? So he didn't miss a FLIGHT? Bah, that's crap. Certainly no reason to endanger the lives of innocent civilians.

You people are celebrating this? He should be in JAIL, and the taxi driver, also, for enabling him.

legion · 12-12-2007, 06:07 PM

Exactly. Just because you are the best driver on the road, does not mean that other drivers will respond in a predictable manner.

SlowToady · 12-12-2007, 06:09 PM

Or that mistakes and accident don't happen. For God's sake, he's used to driving an F1 car, NOT some production car (in that manner). Not to mention the NUMEROUS laws he broke in the process.

But, hey, c'mon guys, don't let that stop the party. Being reckless and breaking the law is COOL! when "Schumi" does it!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

Exactly. Just because you are the best driver on the road, does not mean that other drivers will respond in a predictable manner.

chapo · 07:16 PM

Hypocrites, nice street race videos on your link, rather cross paths with Schummi than those idiots.

SlowToady · 12-12-2007, 08:55 PM

I'm trying to be nice, and not post a knee-jerk reaction flame. To that end, I suggest that you go back, re-read a few things, and think the whole thing through a bit more. Maybe from a different angle. Then come edit/delete your post.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chapo

Hypocrites, nice street race videos on your link, rather cross paths with Schummi than those idiots.

chapo · 10:03 PM

Relax, don't you have street race links?

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

I'm guessing SlowToady posted that tongue-in-cheek.

chapo · 12-12-2007, 10:26 PM

Hope so, or I'm gonna get flamed again

Rikao4 · 12-13-2007, 06:11 AM

well ..who would you rather see cranking down the motorway ..Schummi or Maxi pad..?
Rika

Mule · 12-13-2007, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KNS

You can bet that your average Mercedes or BMW taxi cab is going to handle a heck of a lot better than a Crown Vic!

I've owned a Crown Vic & a 240D. My Vic would lap a 240D!

Steve PH · 12-13-2007, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowToady

Completely irresponsible, putting not only the life of the taxi driver in danger, but also Schumi's own wife, children, and God only knows who else. He could have KILLED someone, or multiple someones, for that matter. And for WHAT? So he didn't miss a FLIGHT? Bah, that's crap. Certainly no reason to endanger the lives of innocent civilians.

You people are celebrating this? He should be in JAIL, and the taxi driver, also, for enabling him.

Before you get too excited may I point out that the description of Schui's driving was provided by the cabi only. A. He may have been just one of those painfully slow drivers, who was simply taken aback by the fact that the Schu drove his car and at a sensible pace. B He might be exaggerating or C. Schumi might really be nuts.

Personally I suspect its probably scenario A or B.