OCTOBER 9, 2000

Scheckter pays tribute after losing Ferrari crown to Schumacher

Jody Scheckter has paid tribute to Michael Schumacher after he took over his mantle as the last Ferrari driver to win a Formula One World Championship.

Scheckter, who had been the last Ferrari world champion before Schumacher when he won in 1979, was delighted for the German and the Italian team.

"I am very satisfied with Schumacher's victory," said Scheckter. "It was a pleasure to see the satisfaction of Jean Todt and the team. To see their joy was truly emotional and they deserved to win.

"When I won the world championship I did not really have the means to appreciate the importance of what it meant. Now, 21 years on, this victory means a lot more to Italy and it is fantastic."