MotoGP: Michael Schumacher gets John Surtees support for bike switch

Formula One ace Michael Schumacher’s shock switch to bike racing has won the support of motorsport legend John Surtees.

Surtees, who recently unveiled a new 125GP team called Maxtra in China, has been keeping an eye on Schumacher’s exploits on track, with the German entering several bike races in 2008.

Rumour has been rife that the Ferrari Formula One legend would make a sensational wild card appearance for Ducati this season, but the German insists he has no intention of racing in a MotoGP clash.

Surtees, who remains the only man in history to win MotoGP and Formula One world titles, said: “It is lovely. He is having great fun. No way he is talking about taking on MotoGP but Michael has got great enthusiasm for motorsport and I think he would have raced without being paid.

“Despite all the technology Michael was always able to relate to the cars and I think he has found that with a motorcycle too. I wish him good luck in his racing and say welcome to the club.”