Ralf Aims to Beat Michael to World Title

BMW-Williams driver Ralf Schumacher has revealed he wants to become World Champion while his brother Michael is still in the sport in order to earn maximum respect for the achievement.

"I must win the title while Michael competes," Schumacher told German magazine Sport Bild. "It means so much more if you win it against him. Michael is beatable but only in an equally good car."

The younger sibling is aiming to land a maiden world title, but accepts overcoming McLaren-Mercedes for second place in the Championship this year is his aim with his brother out of reach again.

"Why should I lie about it? Ferrari are super-strong," added the German, who finished a disappointing eighth in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. "We are only mediocre and have to make sure we fight off McLaren-Mercedes.

"Our engine is the number one on the circuit again and our FW25 car is very good from a mechanical point of view, but the aerodynamics are troubling us. The pressure on Williams is immense. We are facing a key season in which they must do what they didn't manage last year - improving in the same way as BMW."

Schumacher was linked with a switch to Toyota at the end of 2004 when his contract with Williams expires, but he has said replacing his brother at Ferrari would be another alternative.

"Since I don't know how things will continue at Williams-BMW, any other winning team is an option, even Ferrari," he added.