New engine boost for Ferrari title bid

Michael Schumacher used the new engine to smash the lap record at Mugello last week, recording a best lap 0.7s quicker than the F2002 had previously gone at the Italian track.

Although the German was keen to play down the role of the engine in the time, sources close to Ferrari have revealed that the team is intending to debut the powerplant at next month's British GP as it bids to secure the drivers' and constructors' titles.

"Am I surprised by the record lap time?" said Schumacher after the test. "Yes and no, because the car has evolved a great deal since the last time we were here."

Schumacher could wrap up the world title as soon as the French Grand Prix on July 21 if he wins the next three races and his closest rivals fail to finish. But it is more likely that he will be crowned champion at the Hungarian GP in August two rounds later.

The full story appears in AUTOSPORT, which is on sale now priced £2.80