Schumacher not underestimating Renault

Speaking just before he flies out to Shanghai for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, Schumacher said he was confident that Ferrari were ready for the title battle ahead after a positive test at Mugello in Italy last week.

"We worked well and I think we have high hopes," he said on his website. "I think we can win the title again but in my eyes I think it will be tight. You should not underestimate Renault and we will certainly not make that mistake.

"We will concentrate on our strengths, doing everything we can and we will give our full energy and commitment for the final three races. Then we will see what the outcome is.

"But again, I believe that we have a very good chance. And concerning the constructors' championship, we are very well positioned - because in the last few races we have seen that Felipe (Massa) can achieve strong results."

Schumacher does not hide from the fact that Shanghai has not been one of his most successful circuits - especially after last year when he collided with Christijan Albers on the way to the grid and then spun out of the race behind the safety car.

"It is true that this race has not been best for me," he explained. "But the first time we went there Rubens (Barrichello) won, which shows that our car should be okay.

"I assume that it will unfold better this year, and anyway I am looking forward very much to this fight in the last races. I am two-points in arrears (in the drivers' championship) and that can be bridged."

And Schumacher insists that the announcement about his imminent retirement will not affect his performances in the three remaining races.

"The announcement was agreed a long time ago, with everyone involved, and it was not an emergency. I am happy with my decision and, as I said in Monza, I want to concentrate 100 percent on the world championship fight.

"That is the only things that counts for me - and I am not thinking about anything else at the moment."