Alesi Backs Schumacher to Retain Title

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi has backed World Champion Michael Schumacher to retain his crown this year despite the German's recent struggles.

Five-time champion Schumacher is currently being chased down by Williams-BMW driver Juan Pablo Montoya, the Ferrari driver having lost 17 points to his Colombian rival in the last six races.

The pair are now separated by just six points with four races remaining and Schumacher has not won a race since he took victory at the Canadian Grand Prix back in June. But Alesi believes his former rival's experience of 190 races in Formula One will help him fend off the challengers.

"Of course it will be difficult but you should never under-estimate Michael Schumacher," the Frenchman told the Sunday Mirror. "He is a great champion and has the experience that his rivals do not have. That can make the difference. He has been here before and he understands what is needed to win the Championship.

"The rest do not have the experience. He can get results when other drivers can't. Montoya takes risks - but with the new points system it is important to finish races and not make mistakes."

Montoya, who won the last race in Germany eight days ago, has finished on the podium in every one of the last six races and he now has four races left to overtake Schumacher in the standings.