Indianapolis Will be a Thriller, Says Schumacher

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher expects a US Grand Prix thriller on Sunday with Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen going flat out to prevent him celebrating a record sixth Formula One Championship.

Colombian Montoya, in a Williams, is three points behind Schumacher while McLaren's Raikkonen remains in contention seven points off the lead.

Schumacher will be crowned if he wins and Montoya finishes sixth or lower with Raikkonen no better than third. He can also claim the title if he comes second and the Colombian comes eighth and Raikkonen fourth or lower.

But none of those scenarios have happened yet this year, with Montoya a podium finisher in his last eight races, and Schumacher would need a big slice of luck for anything to be decided at 'The Brickyard'.

"It would be nice but I think it is unlikely," he said.

What he and Ferrari will have at the Motor Speedway is a real battle on their hands, with Raikkonen fighting to keep alive his hopes of becoming the youngest champion and Montoya just as determined to lead the way to Suzuka.

"The race at Indianapolis will be the most gripping for sure," said Schumacher this week after flying to the United States early to acclimatise. "I promise the Indianapolis fans a thrilling race in which we will give our best. Even though the track is not the most difficult to run on, the atmosphere at Speedway really is something else."

Popular Favourite

Montoya, hoping to become the first driver to win the Indy 500 and US Grand Prix at the same circuit, is a popular favourite. The former CART champion and 2000 Indy 500 winner has the car to win at 'The Brickyard' even if Ferrari have won two of the three US Grands Prix held there since 2000 and McLaren the other.

"We need to keep the ball rolling and make the most out of this race because Suzuka is a circuit that really suits Michael's driving style," he said. "Our car can definitely do well at the Speedway as the power of the BMW engine suits the long straight so I am anticipating a close fight with our immediate rivals."

McLaren, winners with Mika Hakkinen in 2001, say Indianapolis should suit their car far more than the last race in Italy at Monza. But Schumacher warned people not to assume Ferrari would be outgunned and was looking for his sixth victory of the year.

"We are geared up for Indianapolis," he told the Ferrari website. "A lot of people say that it is a track that is more adapted to BMW-Williams but we can't say that we agree. The same thing was said about Monza but, after a tough fight, we won out.

"This means two things: predictions based on performances of years gone by are no longer reliable and that every tiny error can have serious consequences. Whoever is able to exploit the resources during the weekend will come out on top.

"It is a great challenge that we take on without fear and the other teams will do the same," added the German. "The success at Monza has motivated us even more, but we know we are in a battle and we will not make the mistake of resting on our laurels."