GP Preview: Ferrari Prepare to Fight Back

Michael Schumacher and Ferrari will be under more pressure at Monza on Sunday than they have felt in years.

Schumacher's ability to turn around a five-race losing streak and lead the Ferrari fightback at their home Italian Grand Prix could make or break his hopes of a record sixth crown.

The German has not led a race since June and has been lapped in his last two outings. He now has his two main Championship rivals right in his slipstream and cannot afford any more mistakes.

Schumacher leads Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, in a Williams, by one point and McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen by two with two races left after Monza. Williams are eight points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors' standings.

"This race will be crucial," said Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt.

"Any slip-up on the part of the contenders, Schumacher, Montoya or Raikkonen in the Drivers' Championship, Ferrari, Williams or McLaren in the constructors', will make the next two races rather difficult."

Montoya, winner at Monza in 2001 and on pole for the last two years, will be a favourite at the fastest circuit on the calendar and hopes to add to Ferrari's problems.

"Monza is a good track for me," said the Colombian, whose teammate Ralf Schumacher faces a late fitness test after recovering from a crash last week. "We looked quite strong while testing at Monza (last week), which makes us quite confident for the race weekend.

"There will obviously be a lot of Ferrari fans at the track so it would be very nice to score another victory at their home circuit."

Tyre Doubts

Tyres could be a problem, however.

Both Montoya and Raikkonen use Michelins and their challenge could be hit by the French company having to modify their front design after being accused by Ferrari and Bridgestone of breaking the rules.

Renault, Toyota and Jaguar also use the brand although the former, winners of the last race in Hungary with Spain's Fernando Alonso, have said their car seems to perform better with the new tyres.

Schumacher looked forward to Ferrari, one-two winners last year, coming good again after introducing important engine, tyre and aerodynamic developments.

"After almost four days of testing at this circuit, I am confident about this weekend's race," said Schumacher, whose last two appearances at Monza have been with the Championship already won.

"Last week's testing was very promising and I think I can fight for the win. The layout is very similar to Montreal, where we won and also the F2003-GA goes very well on high speed circuits."

Schumacher and Todt both likened the feeling to that of 2000, when the German arrived at Monza trailing McLaren's Mika Hakkinen in the standings and with critics saying the Championship was slipping away. The German won the race and ended the season as Ferrari's first champion in 21 years.

"Obviously, this is a special event for us," said Schumacher. "We are determined to perform really well, especially for the tifosi (fans). But this time, we need their support, just as we did in 2000, when we were in a similar situation as regards the championship. And we all remember how that turned out."