Schu Jr diplomatic in title predictions

"It's difficult," Ralf replied, "but I've always been a fair person - both of them have worked their way through the season and both of them deserve the title, so I'll just try and stay out of it.

"From an experience point of view and racing ability, I definitely see Michael as having the upper hand. But on the package side, I see Juan in a better position - we have a stronger car and the better tyre - all that is against Michael."

Schumacher Jr denied that his brother's Monza win had redressed the balance in the championship fight.

"Ferrari never stops working, they know how to do it and they had a good comeback in Monza," he said, "but that's a fairly simple circuit and we knew before the race that it would suit them very well. Here, it's going to be difficult for Michael. Obviously he's my brother and I wish him all the best but at the same time, I'm driving for Williams and Juan deserves it as much."

Interestingly, Ralf does not subscribe to the commonly held view that Ferrari and Michael could have the advantage in the final race at Suzuka.

"I wouldn't think so," he offered, "Previously it was down to our car not being good enough but this year I can't see a reason why we should be slower than a Ferrari - we haven't been at the last six or seven circuits so there's no reason why it should be any different there."