Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone was interviewed at Hockenheim on the current state of the world championship, which he claims is still exciting even without Ferrari's driver Michael Schumacher. "We naturally miss Michael and we must naturally do without McLaren's greatest rival for a few races, But the last race in Austria was great even without him around," said Ecclestone.

"Even if this will upset a few people, I have to say Formula One is bigger than any individual," said Ecclestone. "Some had said we would go through a crisis after Ayrton Senna's death but the contrary happened.

"The good thing about Formula One is that it's full of surprises. Who would have predicted Irvine would win in Austria? What would cost us spectators would be an overwhelming dominance by the McLarens, with or without Schumacher."

One Schumacher's return he said: "Michael is a racer, he will always give it 100 percent and drive to the limit. He's not one who gives only 99 percent. He would rather quit."

One grooved tyres he said: "The grooved tyres have no influence on the race, they don't make it good or bad. Personally I'm not a great fan of the grooved tyres. They are unnecessary and bring nothing in terms of safety. And they look ridiculous. Formula One cars should have either slick tyres or rain tyres."

One Eddie Irvine he said: "He had a bit of luck in Austria but he also had a super race. The strategy was right. He did everything right. This win will have boosted his self confidence. Now he must prove that he really is as good as he thinks he is."

On this year's Championship he said: "On paper, the McLarens are the clear favourites. But then nobody knows how much the Ferraris have improved on fast tracks. We could have another surprise. In Austria I would not have put any money on Irvine."