Schuey hails unbelievable achievement

"It's hard to find the words to describe this season," said Schumacher, "but the results speak for themselves. Finishing all of the races on the podium shows the quality of the work done by the team. What they have achieved is unbelievable."

However, Schumacher and Ferrari's delight at sweeping to 15 wins in 2002 was tempered by widespread criticism of their dominance, and the German was quick to underline that next season would not be so easy.

"I plan to come back stronger next year I expect next season to be tougher as the other teams get closer. That will be a challenge. I still think we will be in the fight for the titles and winning races but maybe we will not win races so consistently. But we don't need to be as dominant as long as we still win."

Team boss Jean Todt also hailed the team's awesome performance, but pointed to the years of struggle and toil that preceded their much-maligned dominance.

"This is a dream finale to a dream season. We could not ask for more. Fifteen wins, nine one-twos, Michael taking his third consecutive world title with Ferrari, after eleven races and Ferrari taking its fourth consecutive Constructors' Championship after thirteen races.

"Rest assured that our motivation for 2003 will be the same as this year's. We know that, despite everything that is being said, it will be very difficult. The opposition is very strong, especially those teams who have themselves experienced periods like the one we are going through now."