Schuey keeping a close eye on Hakkinen

The Ferrari driver led from start to finish at the famous street circuit, with reigning World Champion Mikka Hakkinen in third.

But Schumacher believes that Hakkinen could hold the advantage going into the next race at Barcelona.

'I wanted to build up a points cushion because we are coming to a couple of circuits where we might not be as strong, he said.

'We may be second or third in the next couple of races and we will lose our advantage, but then we will come to some circuits where we are stronger.'

Meanwhile, Hakkinen knows he has his his work cut out to reduce his rival's 12-point advantage, but he remains optimistic.

'The good thing about this season is that there is still a long way to go," the McLaren driver said.

'There are different types of circuits coming up where we will be looking to win.'