Ahead of the season's third race in Bahrain, Michael Schumacher gave his opinion of the Sakhir circuit. The German champion took pole position and won there last year.

He reflected: "based on last year's experience, we know that the track is not at all bad. Some points are difficult to judge and so it helps to know the track to be able to find the right racing line. The circuit also puts the brakes and tyres under stress and it will probably be very hot. Considering all of this, I think that it is really useful having the new car."

In Bahrain, Ferrari will make the F2005 available to its drivers and Schumacher feels that the new single-seater is a fine car: "we will finally race the F2005 this weekend and I have to admit that I can't wait to get onto the track with it. We have tested the new car a lot and it has made a good impression on us. Still, we expect another tough battle in Bahrain."

From the world champion's words it would appear that the 'difficult' start to the season has not affected the team's morale. "During last week's tests I noticed that there is a really intense atmosphere in this team", concluded Schumacher. "The first two negative results have stimulated us even more. We are all motivated and primed to go. We will, little by little, be working our way back to the top; have no fear of that."