Q & A with Michael Schumacher

Everywhere you turnt behind the pits, the only topic of conversation is what Michael Schumacher is going to announce on Sunday.

Those involved at Ferrari have so far remain tight-lipped on the post-race plan of action, despite continued speculation in the press, but it was little surprise to find Schumacher's regular Thursday preview media briefing packed to the rafters.

With camera crews, photographers and journalists squeezed together inside (and on the steps of) the warm Ferrari motorhome, the frenzied anticipation of possible imminent news only quietened down when the man himself turned up slightly late.

But any hope of a slip about his intentions was shattered when Schumacher made the first move to stop any interrogation about his plans. It appears that the paddock is going to have to keep guessing for another few days yet.

Michael Schumacher: Are we ready? Good.

MS: Just before we start, because obviously it has been written and said a lot recently in the press, but it is obvious and clear what we have communicated for many months. We will make a statement at some stage in Monza and this statement will be Sunday.

That means that if you will please understand, there is no point to ask any questions or get into it, because it will be made clear then and unfortunately not before for you. So thank you for your understanding.

Q. What are the feelings ahead of the Italian Grand Prix?

MS: Obviously I look very much forward to this Grand Prix as it is kind of a crucial Grand Prix for us, as all the last four are in terms of the championship. We had a very good test, we had three good days, but knowing all those days we saw that the competition is very fight. It will be down to the factor of who gets their car sorted out for the conditions. If we can do that, then we have a great opportunity and a great chance. If we cannot, then we might not have that chance. It is going to be tight, but we are looking forward to it.

Q. What about the new asphalt? Could it be an advantage for you?

MS: I don't see it as an advantage, no. It is pretty similar for everybody and from the tests and what I have seen, it doesn't seem to be very different. But it is better to drive on, I must say. It is more grippy and Monza anyway is always a compromise to drive and it takes away some of the compromise. It makes it simply a bit more predictable.

Q. You will not have a new engine here, but Fernando will. How do you see this point?

MS: It was the other way around in Turkey and it didn't seem to make any difference.

Q. I won't ask you anything about Sunday, but I just want to ask whether this situation puts a weight on your shoulders?

MS: We don't do anything that causes extra disturbance. Everything has been done in a way to quieten the situation because the main focus for us is to race and drive and nothing else.

Q. Would you not have preferred to do any announcement after the end of the championship?

MS: Next question!

Q. It is the first time since June that the gap in the world championship has grown. Does that give you any worries.

MS: I would have preferred it to be the other way around. For sure it is a worry to some degree, but it is not a worry enough because there are still four races to go. Twelve points in a way is a lot but it can be very little depending on how things go.

Q. Renault are confident that they can improve their car after Monza. How do you see the fight with Ferrari?

MS: I think it will take until the last race, absolutely. For sure, both sides will improve but it depends on the quicker rate. Everybody can calculate themselves what we need and what we don't need.

Q. There is a chance of rain this weekend. How much of a worry is that after Hungary?

MS: We understood what happened to us in Budapest, and as you saw in certain moments of the race we were very strong and in others we were not. So understanding the situation, we are not worried.

Q. Is the talks about your future a distraction?

MS: Honestly the way we choose things that is the way we think is the best. It is probably more a distraction for you guys than it is a distraction for me.

Q. How does this title battle compare to previous years?

MS: I think everyone is different. The main ones I remember and the good ones were with Mika Hakkinen in 2000, and the years before in a way obviously in both ways. This one has its own character and its own situation.

Q. How much do you think your experience counts in fighting with Fernando?

MS: Put it this way, I don't see it as a disadvantage. But at the end of the day, Fernando being very young he is a long time in motor racing so he has a lot of experience. I don't see this as the crucial factor.