Schumacher tells Vettel not to give up

Source: www.autosport.com

By Pablo Elizalde

Michael Schumacher is backing Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel in this year's championship fight, and has told his compatriot to remember that the battle "is not over until it's over".

Vettel, dominant winner of the last race in Japan, is currently 16 points behind championship leader Jenson Button with just 20 to play for.

Seven-time world champion Schumacher reckons Vettel should not give up on the title despite the odds being against him, and the former Ferrari driver said he will be rooting for him in the final races.

"This F1 season turned out to be extremely attractive again, and as probably all motorsport fans I am looking forward to seeing what will be happening in the last two races," said Schumacher on his website.

"Both championships are still open, and for me it is obviously important to see how the constructors' championship will end - of course I wish for our guys to defend their third position.

"I think it helps to think of a fact which I was always sticking to during my career: It is not over until it is over; you have to fight until the end. At Ferrari, we live that experience very successfully since many years, and I am convinced it will be like this again this time.

"Sebastian as well will probably share this view because he still has the chance to win the title. This alone is already a big success. I am sure he will make everything possible to show a good performance in the next two races. Mathematically everything is still possible, and I will keep my fingers crossed for him."