Six-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher's demonstration of his linguistic abilities has left France somewhat confused.

In a live TV show on the channel France 2, he was introduced as a "German phenomenon." Linguistic confusion then set in as Schumacher bypassed the interpreter specially brought in to translate from French into German for him, opting instead to use his schoolbook English.

To add to the chaos, another guest, ageing French rock star Johnny Halliday, then chose to boast in English that he had driven his Ferrari much faster than the world Number One. But what totally flummoxed Schumacher was when the host praised him (in German this time!) for not being a "Torte," the word for a German cream cake. The presenter must have literally translated a French expression using the word "tarte" and meaning " you're no fool."