Ralf Schumacher Targets World Title in 2002

Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher said on Friday his BMW-Williams was not yet quick enough to win a grand prix but could make a title bid in 2002.

"Our goal is still to be the best of the rest," Schumacher, younger brother of former world champion Michael Schumacher, told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper in an interview.

"Realistically, we could be driving for the title in 2002."

Schumacher put in a storming performance at the Belgian grand prix in Spa to claim third place, but he admitted he could not challenge championship leader Mika Hakkinen's McLaren Mercedes or his brother's Ferrari for speed.

"I could only win if they go out of the race," he said. "We should realistically be in a position to win races by the middle of next year based on our own performance."

Schumacher also sided with Michael in a long-running row with David Coulthard over accusations of dangerous driving at race starts.

"We are driving races and not in a kindergarten. In Hockenheim he (Coulthard) showed he doesn't drive any differently. David tries to give the impression he is a gentleman, but he isn't."

Schumacher admitted his loyalty to his brother had isolated the pair in the drivers' camp, counting only Jean Alesi among their friends.

"It's pretty much the same for both of us: We don't have too many friends among the drivers," he said.