Schu can clinch title on Sunday

Schumacher's record at Spa, which returns to the F1 schedule after a one-year absence, is exemplary. He won his first grand prix there in 1992 and has scored victory on five more occasions, but maintains that the pressure of wrapping up the title won't affect him this weekend.

"I know that this will be one of the topics of conversation this weekend," said Schumacher. "However, I won't be approaching this race any differently than the others. The important thing is to race well and whatever happens, happens. It is great being in a position to win the title at this stage, but this is the fruit of an unexpected and superb season."

If Schumacher doesn't seal the title this weekend then he is likely to do so at Ferrari's home track at Monza next month.

"Both have their attractions but the most important thing for me is to win the title; where I do it is secondary," he added. "Rubens still has a mathematical chance of winning and I take his challenge seriously. Until victory is secure, all the other factors are meaningless and so I don't even take them into consideration."

Schumacher has rejoiced in the fact Spa has been returned to the schedule, and is looking forward to the challenging venue in the Ardennes region of Belgium.

"Spa has always been special for me," said Schumacher. "I am very happy to see the Belgian GP back on the calendar. This race seems to be linked to my career in some way. I have enjoyed some fantastic moments here and so I can only express my delight that I can race on the track again."

"Spa preserves the features of the old style circuits, ones that are very different from modern tracks. Even if today's single-seaters have made the circuit a little easier, it is still a challenge. Driving the perfect line here, especially in some stretches, is just thrilling. It is not coincidental that generations of drivers have raved about Eau Rouge!"