Schu interest ’unbelievable’ – Vettel

(GMM) Young countryman Sebastian Vettel on Friday described as "unbelievable" the attention attracted so far in Spain by Germany's visiting former formula one driver Michael Schumacher.

BMW's teenage test driver was asked by a reporter in Barcelona how he felt about the fact that Schumacher, who retired at the end of last year as a seven time world champion, had captured the attention of the world's press despite now occupying only a minor role at Ferrari.

"I noticed that," Vettel told the German broadcaster Premiere.

"30 photographers were waiting for him to arrive for an hour, but on the other hand he was a very big character in formula one and it is natural that a lot of attention is still paid towards him."

Former triple world champion Niki Lauda, meanwhile, said he doubted that Ferrari really needs the 38-year-old driver to act as an 'advisor' this weekend at the Spanish GP.

"Ferrari is very well set up, they have an outstanding car and with Raikkonen and Massa two excellent drivers," the Austrian said.

Schumacher fronted a predictably-packed press conference on Friday, where he ruled out becoming a team owner or succeeding Jean Todt as Ferrari boss.

But while saying he has no desire to return to the driving cockpit at the moment, he added: "I'm only so many months out of this business and I'm quite happy with that.

"What will be my future, who knows?"