Brother is biggest threat, says champ

Speaking exclusively to AUTOSPORT's sister publication Motorsport News this week, Schumacher made it clear that Ralf is more likely than Williams team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya to take the fight to the end of the season.

"If I say Ralf's my main challenger, everyone will say it's because he's my brother. But if I say he's not, I would lie," said Schumacher.

"People have often criticised him, even after he won in Malaysia. But that's not to look deeply at the situation. He certainly has the ability, he has proved it very often, and he's proving it again."

Most pundits believe Montoya is the most likely driver to challenge Schumacher's position as the best driver in Formula 1. But the Ferrari ace believes after only one season and three races, it is too early to judge the Colombian.

"There is a little bit more to being the new man than just to have two or three good manoeuvres," Schumacher claimed. "I don't want want to discredit his abilities, they are very high. But I believe there are other drivers around who have made a far bigger impression.

"Montoya can be a very good driver, he can win world championships. But we won't know for two or three years."

For a full exclusive interview with Michael Schumacher, read this week's Motorsport News, on sale today (Wednesday).