Schumacher to Join Last-Minute Test

Ferrari are introducing a new aerodynamic package for this weekend's German Grand Prix and, with the team not committed to any testing restrictions, they are using every opportunity they can to recover their pace.

Their fall from form in recent races means the team have now decided to test the day before they travel to Hockenheim - and Schumacher has opted to join them to make it clear that he has not yet given up on his title hopes.

Under previous testing agreements, teams were only allowed to conduct short shakedowns in the week leading up to a Grand Prix.

"We're not trying to hide the fact that we're a little bit on the hunt for our performance right now," said Schumacher on Monday. "But another thing we're not hiding, either, is our team's dedication and fighting spirit.

"Contrary to many other people's opinions, we have in no means written ourselves off, even though we have to admit that the situation has worsened recently, rather than improved. But that doesn't mean that it can't be improved again, and that's exactly what we're working on."

Schumacher has also hit back at critics who believe he is wrong to still believe that Ferrari can stay in the hunt for the title - despite the obvious pace of Renault and McLaren.

"To be perfectly honest: I can't really understand that some people are blaming me for believing in even small chances," he added.

"I travel to every race with my mind set on achieving the best possible result and I go to every race aspiring to try everything that's within our means. We're taking it step by step now, and are working as best we can."