Schuey confident of Italian GP success

The five-time champion enjoyed a successful test at the venue last week, and points to the Ferrari's strength at high-speed circuits. Monza, of course, is the quickest track on the calendar, and his Michelin-shod rivals will have to use a new tyre for the first time this weekend.

"After almost four days of testing at this circuit, I am confident about this weekend's race," said Schumacher. "Last week's testing was very promising and I think I can fight for the win. The layout is very similar to Montreal, where we won and also the F2003-GA goes very well on high-speed circuits. Obviously, we cannot promise anything and given the competitiveness of our rivals the race is bound to be very close. But I can say that we will do our utmost so that our fans can celebrate with us."

Schumacher says he wants to give the home fans something to shout about this weekend, as Ferrari also bids to overhaul Williams-BMW in the constructors' championship.

"Obviously, this is a special event for us," he added. "The Monza circuit represents the temple of Italian motorsport and all of us consider the Italian Grand Prix to be a tough challenge. We are determined to perform really well, especially for the tifosi, even though, unlike the past couple of years, we will not be able to celebrate winning the title with them. But this time, we need their support, just as we did in 2000, when we were in a similar situation as regards the championship. And we all remember how that turned out..."

...If you don't, Schumacher won the last three races of the season and wrapped up the title with one grand prix in hand.