Schumi urges drivers to put safety first

21 September, 2008, 15:40

Despite performing his fair share of dangerous manoeuvres on the race track, and having a less than stellar driving record on the road, formula one legend Michael Schumacher has said safety must be the top priority of all driving. The seven-time world champion made his point at a karting event in St Petersburg.

Schumacher was in the northern capital promoting safe driving at the international “Road safety for life” congress.

The event was staged at the lavish Tavrichesky palace, and this year focused on accident prevention and rescue operations, as well as educating drivers on the importance of driving within the speed limits.

Kart blanche

Schumacher went on to attend a Karting event in St Pete, and the country’s aspiring young drivers were keen to impress the legendary German.

“I'm sure many of you will soon be called ”the second Michael Schumacher. We understand that karting needs to be developed here. I promise you that we'll soon have a new circuit in Saint Petersburg," St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matvienko said.

After the event, Schumacher presented the winners of the “micro” and “mini” karting categories with their prizes.

Russia has no drivers in the top echelon of racing. But the local fans certainly have reasons to look to the future, with one of the sport's best ever saying he soon expects to see Russian drivers on the bigger stage.