New race, new opportunity: this is the way that Michael Schumacher's feelings could be summed up ahead of the second race of the season in Malaysia. The reigning champion has spent a few days with his wife Corrina and his manager Willi Weber. This quiet time was especially welcome after the long test sessions held before the opening race in Australia.

Now the holiday is coming to an end and Schumacher would not be Schumacher if he had not replied: "we all know that Malaysia is one of the toughest races from a physical point of view and so nearly everyone has to keep working", smiled Michael, ever the hard worker. He has trained every day and his participation in a football match was much appreciated by the local press.

Schumacher would not be himself had the retirement in the first race not spurred him on to do well in race two. "For sure, zero points in the season's first race is not what I expected", revealed the 36 year old. "This, naturally, will give me an extra boost in Malaysia. From what we saw in Australia, the F2004 M was still competitive, much more than thought possible. I think that we can expect a positive result in Sepang. Rubens proved that it is possible to finish highly even after a so-so qualifying session. I have faith because we were very consistent in the Grand Prix".

The big question mark, as always given the climate in Malaysia, will be the heat. It is not easy to predict how reliable the tyres and the engine will be. The pre-season tests were held in very different temperatures. The physical conditioning of the drivers will play a fundamental role. Michael is in tip-top shape and in combative mood: "we are ready for the next race", declared the German champion.