Schuey not fussed when title comes

The Ferrari ace can wrap it up in record time this weekend at the French Grand Prix if he wins the race, and team-mate Rubens Barrichello and Williams-BMW's Juan Pablo Montoya finish lower than second.

If Schumacher does not win the title at Magny-Cours, he would be likely to do it on home ground at Hockenheim the following week, a prospect that must be attractive to the German.

But he said: "We will try to take it at Magny-Cours, because I would like to win the race. But that on its own might not be enough to win the championship, as it does not only depend on me, but also on what the others will do. So it does not really matter if it waits until Hockenheim."

Ferrari's dominance in F1 this year makes the team a favourite at every race, and there is no reason to think otherwise for Magny-Cours.

"At this time of year, it is usually very hot in France and that is the factor that most influences the car's behaviour," Schumacher said. "The track surface can be slippery and the tyres react in a different way to usual. That means it won't be an easy race, but we are confident and happy with the package at our disposal."

He pointed out that Bridgestone's tyres outperforming Michelin's so far this year has been the key to Ferrari's success.

"Probably, we have just done a better job, especially as far as the tyres are concerned," he said. "Our partnership with Bridgestone is exceptional, because the tyres are perfect for our car and that is a basic advantage because the tyres are a vital factor."

Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer shook down the three F2002s that will be taken to the French GP at Fiorano yesterday (Monday). He completed a total of 15 laps.