Vettel in Senna’s league, Schumacher not - Ascanelli

Sebastian Vettel is in Ayrton Senna’s league, but Michael Schumacher is not.

That is the sensational claim of Giorgio Ascanelli, the highly talented engineer who worked closely not only with Vettel at Toro Rosso, but also with the great Senna at McLaren.

"I am very lucky," the Italian told Sport Bild. "Twice in my life I have experienced perfection; once with Senna, again with Vettel."

But Ascanelli also worked with Schumacher, the most successful F1 driver of all time, at Ferrari.

"In one respect Michael was different because he had to work harder for his success than did Senna and Vettel. With those two it was something else," he insisted.

Added Gerhard Berger: "Before the season began I thought Alonso was the best driver, but maybe now it’s Sebastian."