On the maestro's trail

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Follow Michael Schumacher's comeback by visiting either Europe or Asia.

Some dreams don’t remain unfulfilled. Have to make a trip to Suzuka now”, read the Facebook status update of one of my friends, a die-hard Michael Schumacher fan. Somehow he never got the chance to see him live in action on the racing track. But Felipe Massa’s unfortunate accident has given my friend and thousands of other Schumi aficionados another chance to watch the greatest driver on the track. If you are as passionate, where should you go?

August 23 in Valencia is Schumacher’s comeback race, and it couldn’t have happened at a better circuit. Valencia is one of the newest venues, hosting its second race. What makes the track interesting is that it’s a street circuit and utilises the roads around the port area of the city. Of course, the next two races, too, are in Europe — so, if you can take off for three weeks, then you can actually witness those two races in Belgium and Italy as well.

The race track in Belgium — Spa Francorchamps — is the trickiest of the venues and among Schumacher’s favourites as well. Schumacher’s next stop will be a “home” race at Monza, near Milan in Italy. It’s one of the oldest racing tracks in the world. Just like Spa, this circuit too is extremely tricky with high-speed curves. It’s Ferrari’s home circuit and you can imagine the hysteria if Schumacher does manage to win the race at Monza.

If Europe is out of reach for you, then follow Schumacher in Asia instead. Singapore and Suzuka will host races on the alternate weekends of September 27 and October 4.

Singapore gives you a chance to witness the spectacle of a night race. It will be interesting to see how Schumacher copes with that, though the tickets for the race are outrageously priced. A two-day package including a race ticket could cost you close to Rs 75,000.

Suzuka is another option to be considered. One can combine both the races, though it would be more taxing than Europe, for sure. Still, it’s not every year you get an opportunity to watch a legend making his comeback. And it would be even sweeter if Schumacher weaves his magic and wins a race or two.