01/08/2006
NEWS STORY
Ferrari's traditional post-race party was cancelled in order that Michael Schumacher and his wife and Corinna could return home to their children as soon as they could. "The break to the next race is a short one and the stakes are so high that I preferred getting some immediate rest so that I can go into Budapest recharged" admitted the German. "As regards the team's morale, I have to say that a one-two at Hockenheim has helped us very much. Ferrari dominated as it did on its best days from the past.
"The Drivers' title is up for grabs," he added. "The great thing is that I now have the mathematical chance to win it without having to depend on the actions of anyone else.
"Sunday's performance was phenomenal, especially given the position we were in last year". This result is the fruit of many months of work and many more to come. Now, it is clear that we all want the title back and a result like that at Hockenheim only increases this feeling. The win makes us not want to give up. The fact that the next race comes up so quickly is an advantage for us."
Despite the high morale, the Italian team knows that it will not be easy repeating the performance from Germany. "Sure it was great but it will not be easy doing it again right away," said Schumacher. "Saying this, a win is vital if we are to keep up the chase. We have to score more points rather than pushing things and trying to dominate the race. We will have to maintain a high tempo and be focused throughout. In modern day Formula 1, nothing is a certainty."
There also remains the fact that it is impossible to make major changes in just a week and this will not have escaped the attention of the seven time champion. "Clearly, there is no need to make big changes at this point. Thanks to the pause in testing that will last until after the race in Turkey, this advantage should last two races.
"This is why we think we could have some influence on the destination of the title. There are six races left and we will be going for it."