'Schumi III' makes racing debut

By GMM

The German media already has a name for Michael Schumacher's nine-year-old son - 'Schumi III'.

Following in the footsteps of father 'Schumi' and his uncle Ralf ('Schumi II'), Mick Schumacher has kicked off his racing career with a low-key kart event in Spain.

The local press said the choice of Spain was to "flee the media pressure"; a claim borne out by the fact that the name on the entry list was 'Mick Betsch', an attempt for anonymity by the use of his mother Corinna's maiden name.

Seven-time world champion Schumacher, 39, did not attend the race, as his paternal grandfather, Rolf, accompanied Mick.

The Spanish newspaper Diario AS published a photo of the youngster at the wheel of his racer - believe it or not, an 'Alonso Kart' - wearing the familiar Schumacher helmet, but painted all blue.

He finished his two races at the Sils circuit, near Gerona, tenth and eighth, and Mick Schumacher will also participate in the next three rounds of the competition.