Post by Liam O'Reilly on Aug 22, 2006 17:41:27 GMT
Michael Schumacher has predicted that the Turkish Grand Prix could turn out to be crucial in his battle with Fernando Alonso for this year's drivers' championship.
Schumacher nibbled another point out of Alonso's lead at the Hungarian Grand Prix three weeks ago and now trails the Spaniard by just 10 points, with five races still to go and 50 points up for grabs.
"We have five chances to change the current situation and win the title now. The positive news from the Hungary weekend was that I can still win by concentrating only on what I do," said the Ferrari star, who has already won the title seven times. "The challenge goes on and our chances are undimmed.
"We should not make the mistake of thinking that our chances dipped after Hungary. Instead we ought to look ahead; we could have found ourselves in a much worse position at this stage of the season. Our desire is exactly the same and Istanbul is a very important stage on the road to the title."
Schumacher did not enjoy the best of weekends at last year's inaugural Turkish GP, qualifying only 19th as a result of both a spin and then an engine penalty.
He then retired from the race on lap 34 as a result of collision damage following his coming together with Mark Webber's Williams.
Nevertheless, following three wins on the trot at Indianapolis, Magny Cours and Hockenheim, Schumacher remains optimistic of a much better showing this year.
"I think things are looking good," he continued. "We recall well how Magny Cours was demanding and how at Hockenheim we dominated. There was also the race at the Hungaroring where, leaving aside the weather, things went our way - though the race showed how decisive a role the weather can play.
"Overall, it is tough to predict the relative strength of the teams as they alter according to the track. I think that we should be competitive at the weekend though. After all, our potential is as high as ever."
Schumacher also noted that while he has enjoyed the summer break, he would rather have gone straight to Hungary to keep the pressure up on Alonso and Renault.
"We have had a few days off and, naturally, I had a pleasant time," he said. "However, I could have done without it as it would have been better to go straight into the Grand Prix of Turkey after Hungary. The title challenge is so exciting that I cannot wait for the next race."
Schumacher nibbled another point out of Alonso's lead at the Hungarian Grand Prix three weeks ago and now trails the Spaniard by just 10 points, with five races still to go and 50 points up for grabs.
"We have five chances to change the current situation and win the title now. The positive news from the Hungary weekend was that I can still win by concentrating only on what I do," said the Ferrari star, who has already won the title seven times. "The challenge goes on and our chances are undimmed.
"We should not make the mistake of thinking that our chances dipped after Hungary. Instead we ought to look ahead; we could have found ourselves in a much worse position at this stage of the season. Our desire is exactly the same and Istanbul is a very important stage on the road to the title."
Schumacher did not enjoy the best of weekends at last year's inaugural Turkish GP, qualifying only 19th as a result of both a spin and then an engine penalty.
He then retired from the race on lap 34 as a result of collision damage following his coming together with Mark Webber's Williams.
Nevertheless, following three wins on the trot at Indianapolis, Magny Cours and Hockenheim, Schumacher remains optimistic of a much better showing this year.
"I think things are looking good," he continued. "We recall well how Magny Cours was demanding and how at Hockenheim we dominated. There was also the race at the Hungaroring where, leaving aside the weather, things went our way - though the race showed how decisive a role the weather can play.
"Overall, it is tough to predict the relative strength of the teams as they alter according to the track. I think that we should be competitive at the weekend though. After all, our potential is as high as ever."
Schumacher also noted that while he has enjoyed the summer break, he would rather have gone straight to Hungary to keep the pressure up on Alonso and Renault.
"We have had a few days off and, naturally, I had a pleasant time," he said. "However, I could have done without it as it would have been better to go straight into the Grand Prix of Turkey after Hungary. The title challenge is so exciting that I cannot wait for the next race."