Ralf Acquires More Focus for Next Year's WC

German Ralf Schumacher has revealed that he will wear glasses when he races in next year's Formula One World Championship for BMW-powered Williams team.

Schumacher, who has won three Grands Prix, tried the glasses last week and is hoping they will help him in his bid to beat his World Champion brother Michael to the championship in 2002.

"My eyesight really is still fine," said Schumacher. "But I tried driving with glasses last week and it seems to be much better. It just allows me to see things a little better and in Formula One that is essential. The thing now is to try them in testing and get used to them for the season."

Schumacher, who was in a car crash last week on a German autobahn, will test his new spectacles in pre-season Formula One testing next year. But after his brother's Ferrari team dominated this season, he remains sceptical over how much his improved eyesight will help him.

"Hopefully the glasses can help me close the gap on Michael a little bit so I can win more races," he said. "But Michael is definitely favourite for the title again."

BMW-Williams chief Frank Williams appeared more confident as he looked ahead to the new season at BMW's motorsport end-of-year party.

Both he and BMW motorsport boss Gerhard Berger praised their drivers Schumacher and Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya and Williams warned that if his team can produce a winning car, they will both become regular visitors to the top step of the podium.

"You can bet that these two will win races," said Williams. "They are both very strong, they both want to win, and with the right equipment they will win a lot of races next year."