Formula One news

Schumi set to start championship challenge

The Easter break is over and Michael is totally focused on the race at Imola that he last week described as "the start of the challenge for the title". The opening of the European season should see a more competitive Ferrari live up to the hopes of the Prancing Horse fans.

"We tested intensively and well at Vallelunga and Barcelona and gathered a lot of useful information", revealed Michael. "We proved what we thought over the first few races but, unfortunately, we have demonstrated only too rarely: the pace is there; the package works. We are in the ball game. The new aerodynamics and the engine improvements are a clear step forward. We have also worked on the tyres and the set up and have received positive feedback in each sector. I repeat: now we have to improve our chances and that means always being among the leaders".

"We want to do well at Imola and we want to be among the title challengers", continued the seven-time world champion. "We have fine tuned our package during the tests and I think that we have a car with which we can compete for victory. I do not believe that the gap to the leaders is too big to close. Imola should be the first step towards this".

Stay calm; don't panic, is the motto. "I have been part of this world for a long time and it will not drive me crazy", added the Ferrari man with a smile. "I have already seen other championships completely turned around. The most important thing is that we have the potential and so everything is possible."

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