Sabtu, 15 Desember 2007

Police fuming over Schumacher's taxi race (AFP)

BERLIN (AFP) - Police in Coburg are to investigate whether seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher broke the law after he got behind the wheel of a taxi last week so his family were on time for a flight.

Schumacher turned taxi driver last Saturday having taken his family to buy an Australian Shepherd puppy in the Bavarian village of Kronach and then took over the wheel of the cab on the return journey to make sure they caught their plane.

The German star, who retired from Formula One last year, was said to have "taken the corners at full-throttle and over-taken in unbelievable places," according to the cab driver.

Schumacher paid the 60 euros fare (86 US Dollars) for the journey and even gave the cab driver a 100 euro tip (144 US Dollars) to show his appreciation.

But the light-hearted story has not gone down well with local police, who are to investigate whether Schumacher broke the highway code, while taxi driver Tuncer Yilmaz will be questioned for allowing the German racing star to take the wheel.

According to a report in German tabloid Bild, police will cross-examine Yilmaz, 42, as a possible witness and Schumacher could face a fine.

But things may be even worse for Yilmaz, who is also set to face a hearing.

"That was an offence against transport laws," Kai Holland, deputy director of Coburgs traffic authority, told Bild.

"We will have a hearing with the taxi driver to resolve the matter."

Schumachers manager Willi Weber was amazed Yilmaz and his client could find themselves in trouble over the incident.

"To punish this man would be ridiculous. He very kindly helped Michael and we wish all taxi drivers were so understanding."

 
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