Posted on 12/14/2007 1:19:24 AM PST by Drago
BERLIN (AP) -- Cab drivers are best known for giving hair-raising rides, not being taken on them.
But when one cabbie in southern Germany apparently wasn't driving fast enough, his customer, former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, took the wheel himself.
"It was sheer lunacy," cabbie Tuncer Yilmaz told the Muenchener Abendzeitung newspaper. "He took the curves with full speed, but you couldn't even notice it. He just knows how to do it."
Schumacher's spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm, confirmed the story Wednesday. She said Schumacher had flown in from Switzerland on Saturday on his private jet to buy a puppy from a breeder in the town of Gesuelz.
When Yilmaz picked up the seven-time Formula One champion and his family at the Coburg airport, he was star-struck.
"I was so nervous," Yilmaz said. "I was so confused that I almost forgot all traffic rules."
So on the way back to the airport Schumacher, the most successful driver in Formula One history, asked Yilmaz to slide over so he could drive.
Yilmaz said he would never forget the ride.
Nor the tip. On top of the $88.03 fare, Schumacher gave him $146.72.
Yilmaz' only regret is that German photo radar didn't catch Schumacher speeding, which would have produced a ticket with a photo that would have been sent to Yilmaz, as the car's owner.
"I so much would have loved to get a speeding photo of this ride," Yilmaz told the Abendzeitung. "I would have gladly paid a ticket for that."
” Tuncer Yilmaz “
What sort of German name is that ? ; )
German taxis must be like N.Y.C. taxis! (Driver-wise).
” Tuncer Yilmaz “
What sort of German name is that ? ; )’
Many Germans not thrilled w the Gastarbeiters...many have gone on the dole and suck off from the governement.
Of course, many did not “go home” after their time was up
(Be real leery of anyone proposing Guest Worker programs in the USA?)
One thing about German taxis.....they tend to be nicer and more sporty than US cabs. I can remember 30-35 years ago it was a treat to ride in a German cab because they were usually Mercedes, BMWs, or upscale Opels....not the buckets used in most US cities.
Doubt if Schumi could drive a US cab as well...just because US cabs are like Yugos compared to German cabs
Probably Turkish. There have been Turks working all over Germany since long before my first trip there in 1970.
Wasnt that the cab driving cat on SNL?
Must be nice to be able to take a private jet to another country to buy a puppy.
I guess it could drive Schumi a mad to be in a slowly driven car. Funny
He's so fast even radar can't catch him!
[snicker]
Framed on the wall at home, no doubt. LOL.
He probably could have even arranged to have it autographed.
It would be fun to be in the cab and see him try! I'm thinking of the crown vics still in use in places. I'm pretty sure he could make it interesting!
I just read online that Shumacher is returning to F1!!! I am gonna look around for this.
Should be exciting seeing him race again. I can't wait.
Some stories on the situation...enjoy!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/aug/03/felipe-massa-michael-schumacher-ferrari-f1
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/aug/04/red-bull-block-michael-schumacher-ferrari-testing
Gotta love "Top Gear"! You be the judge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifrtlC4NTys
Also, a BMW M3 is more fuel efficient than a Prius!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKTOyiKLARk
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