Schumacher Not Missing Villeneuve's Challenge

Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher has revealed he does not miss racing against Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, as he thinks he has already enough competition in teammate Rubens Barrichello and Williams drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher.

The German four-time World Champion was embroiled in a season-long battle with Villeneuve in 1997, a year that ended in controversial fashion after Schumacher deliberately tried to take Villeneuve - then a Williams driver - off the track to stop him from overtaking.

Schumacher was stripped of his second position in the Championship and the Williams driver clinched his first and so far only crown in Formula One.

31-year old Villeneuve left Williams at the end of 1998 and since then has struggled with the British American Racing team while Schumacher has gone on to win two consecutive titles in 2000 and 2001.

The Ferrari driver refused to judge Villeneuve's performance in the BAR, but claimed he is not missing battling with the Canadian.

"It is difficult to judge his performance, as his car is not competitive at the top level," said the German ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. "I can't say I miss competing against him, because the main thing is to have some competition and there is still plenty of that at the moment, from my own teammate and the Williams duo."

Schumacher, winner of the Canadian Grand Prix four times, is aiming to score his sixth victory of the season this weekend. After losing out to his brother Ralf in last year's race, the German is confident his Ferrari will allow him to beat the opposition on Sunday.

"It is hard to make predictions about what to expect this weekend, but we can be more optimistic this year," he added. "I think the key to winning here on Sunday, is to stay out as long as possible before making the first pit stop, but of course you also need the speed and a good package of course.

"As far as the tyres are concerned, I am sure we will be in good shape, as Bridgestone has done a lot of testing aimed specifically at this unusual circuit."