Finding Schumi's successor is difficult - Vettel

Just a few weeks after Michael Schumacher's retirement from Formula One racing, the search in Germany for his successor has already begun. However, Sebastian Vettel does not believe any driver will be able to follow in his compatriot's footsteps.

For Sebastian, who will compete as the official test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team in 2007, Michael Schumacher is a great idol. Naturally, it is the goal of the 19-year-old to win the World Championship title. According to Vettel however, no German will be able to succeed Schumacher.

"Michael is unique, simply due to the way he approached the sport," says Vettel. "Ralf Schumacher is a different character and so is Nick Heidfeld. The drivers on other levels follow their own path as well. Everyone does what they personally think is right."

Sebastian is convinced a different aproach to that of the seven-time World Champion can also be successful. "Michael has influenced the sport in our country like no other driver," he comments. "Formula One racing in Germany stands for Michael Schumacher. There are several German drivers who have got what it takes to win races and become World Champion. But you shouldn't concentrate on the search for a successor too much."