Schumi gears up
(formulaone.com)
Updated: 2006-09-29 10:34 Michael Schumacher believes
Ferrari still has its work cut out if it is to beat Renault to this year's
constructors' title. With just three 2006 rounds remaining, the Italian team
heads to this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix with a narrow advantage over their
rivals.
Ferrari's Formula One driver Michael
Schumacher of Germany answers a question during a news conference at the
Shanghai International Circuit September 28, 2006. Schumacher, retiring at
the end of the season after the most successful career in Formula One
history, is two points adrift of Renault's Fernando Alonso with three
races remaining. [Reuters] |
Ferrari has won five of the last six races and seized a three-point lead in
the standings at the last round in Monza. However, with Renault having withstood
a similar, late-season surge by McLaren last year, Schumacher knows the
champions could still have plenty in reserve.
"We should not underestimate Renault and will be focusing solely on our
strengths," said Schumacher ahead of Shanghai. "We will be going all out in the
final races and we will see what the season has in store for us."
"We have every chance of taking the title though, in my opinion, it will be
tough.
"Having said this, I have to repeat that the squad and I think we have a good
chance, above all in the constructors' championship where we are in a good
position. Felipe's (Massa's) input has proved decisive here, especially in the
last three races."
Schumacher has never scored in China - he finished 12th in the inaugural race
and then spun out in the early stages last season. Despite this, he is keen to
stress that Shanghai is not his "bogey circuit," as some would like to believe,
and instead points to Ferrari's 2004 victory as proof of the team's potential.
"It is true that this race has never gone particularly well," said the
German. 'However, Rubens (Barrichello) won the first ever race and this means
that our car should do well. I am sure things will go well this time."
With Schumacher's retirement announcement now safely out of the way, the
seven-time champion is free to concentrate on achieving a record-extending
eighth drivers' title. And with some fruitful testing for Ferrari since Monza,
he is in optimistic mood.
"As I have already said, it will not be easy but it will be exciting and
unpredictable until the end," he added. "I am pleased that we have it all to
play for in the last few races. I feel that I can make up the two-point gap."
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