Schuey says Spain will be hardest race yet

The former world champion added he thought his chances of winning a third race in succession are slim.

Not only does the circuit favour the faster race machine of rivals McLaren but car and engine developments have not arrived on schedule.

'We have big developments coming for the car but we don't have them for here,' he confessed.

'This circuit is 180 degrees different to Monaco. Monaco is slow and a bit bumpy, this track is flat and fast with less grip on the tarmac.

'We suffer a bit everywhere: aerodynamic grip, mechanical grip and a little bit on engine power as well - it all adds up.

'This is probably the worst circuit in our current situation. This will be a difficult weekend but, as I usually say, not an impossible weekend.'

Rival Mika Hakkinen admitted he was confident McLaren would be setting the pace, 'It wouldn't be a disaster if we lost here,' he said. 'Pretty close to it but not a disaster.'