"This race was the synthesis of the entire season," reflected Michael Schumacher with a sigh following Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix. "Things went wrong once more and so I am pleased that this year is over. This is not because I am tired of racing but due to the fact that, until now, there have been no signs of improvement. I am happy because soon I will finally be home with Corinna and the children. Right now, this is the thing I am looking forward to most.

"The race began oddly," he continued. "I was trying to warm up my tyres on the installation lap and the best way of doing this, especially when driving slowly to save fuel, is to zig-zag across the track. Perhaps Cristian wasn't aware of this and I too did not see him; suddenly I heard a crash."

Referring to the incident that finally eliminated him from the race, Schumacher said: "Lapping with the safety car on the circuit was not very simple as my tyres were very worn down and cold and so had little grip. When Felipe ahead of me braked suddenly, I naturally did the same and this was enough to send me off the track."

The championship over, it was time for reflection: "This was not a great season and coming third in both championships does not truly reflect our performances." The seven-time world champion made it clear that there would be little time off during the off-season. "Now we have to concentrate wholly on next year and our aim is to get back to challenging for the title. If we consider how well last year went, and how much better the other teams did in 2005, the conclusion is that we have to get back among the best in 2006. We will be working hard during the winter and this is our objective.

"After the race many people asked us how long it would be before we got back to being on form after such a difficult season. Put very simply, I am more motivated after a year like this one," he warned. "Such problems give me more motivation to challenge and get back to the top.

"We should not forget, even though there are many reasons to be unhappy, that not everything depends solely on the team," concluded the German. "Our team is, and will always be, the best. We should be proud of the work we have done, both on the circuit and at Maranello. Everyone has always worked very hard and will not be discouraged. This is why I am very optimistic for next year. You cannot go wrong with this team. We are facing a new challenge and I cannot wait for it. I would like to thank the team very much."