Michael Schumacher has been
waiting five years to equal the record for most wins at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The seven-time Formula One world champion may have to wait a little longer.
Friday is traditionally a non-racing day in Monaco, with drivers practicing
on Saturday morning and then qualifying in the afternoon. The 78-lap race is
then held on Sunday.
Schumacher has not won at Monte Carlo since 2001 and remains on five
victories. Another win will bring him level with the late Ayrton Senna.
However, Schumacher was fourth in the first practice and 15th in the second
practice as Ferrari experimented with settings and tires on Thursday.
Defending champion Fernando Alonso led the morning practice in his Renault
and was fourth in the second session.
"There is work to do but we have enough experience to get out of this
situation," Schumacher said. "Obviously we cannot be too happy with what we have
seen so far, although the results can partly be explained by the fact we used
just one set of tires.
"But I'm not trying to hide the fact that the situation is not looking that
good. At the moment we are too slow and have to study the data to find out why."
When Ferrari dominated the season in 2002 and '04, Schumacher still lost at
Monaco.
"We at least understand why in the past there were circumstances why we did
not win," Schumacher said. "There were some teams that were specifically
prepared themselves for circuits like Monaco and Hungary, which was then not
working in the normal character of circuits."
Alonso has won three of the six races this season, with two victories for
Schumacher and one for Alonso's teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella.
Alonso leads the season's standings with 54 points to Schumacher's 39. The
pair have taken the first two places in the last three races.
Schumacher knows what it will take to win again.
"The match winner is to have a competitive car, to be in a good position
after qualifying, and then if you have a good strategy to make use of it and you
still win the race," Schumacher said.
