Formula 1 news

Schumi confident after setting record pace in test

On route to Japan, Michael Schumacher is ready for the penultimate race of the season, at Suzuka, this weekend. This evening the world champion set off for Tokyo ahead of a marathon of sponsor and partner engagements on Wednesday.

However, the seven time world champion is on the road again: "The time difference in Japan is a big one and for this race I try to leave as early as possible," explained Michael. "The effect of both the time difference and the climatic conditions should not be underestimated and arriving too late could mean additional physical stress. Getting acclimatised is important as it allows you, during the weekend, to focus exclusively on the race." And after such a busy Wednesday, Michael will once more travel to Suzuka.

The Scuderia tested intensively last week with Michael also taking to the track. At Jerez he showed that though the season is nearing its end, he still has the desire to drive: "Tests like this are enjoyable and you have the sensation of progressing as a team. We have worked hard for the last two races of the season and it seems to have gone very well." Michael set a surprising time at Jerez. "This is the great thing about Ferrari: even if the championships have been won, we are still hungry. Everyone is always motivated, we all have the same ideas and there is no standing still. The race team looks after all the details and the test team also works extremely hard. This is why it is always a pleasure getting behind the wheel for this team."

Michael has a single objective for the Suzuka race: "We have had an extraordinary season and so we can only go for the victory. There is no question about it and the fact that not everything went smoothly at Shanghai does not come into it. Lots of things went wrong at the same time but, on the other hand, it is probably normal that for once not everything went well. We have to stop thinking about it and I have no problem doing this. My thoughts are already on Suzuka and, as I have good memories from the circuit, I can't wait for this r

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