Schuey implies McLaren threat

Michael Schumacher has deflected claims that Williams will be Ferrari's closest rivals in the Formula 1 World Championship by implying that McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen is his real threat in 2004

Speaking at Barcelona on Friday, when asked if he was worried by the pace of Williams in testing, Schumacher told autosport.com: "The dangerous one is not here. He's testing somewhere else."

McLaren, of course, was conducting a behind-closed-doors test at Valencia.

The reigning world champion also played down fears that the Bridgestone tyres used by Ferrari will struggle against the Michelin rubber used by all his major rivals.

Asked if he was concerned by the tyre situation Schumacher said: "I believe we have a company called Bridgestone which is very motivated and well prepared. Like I have said before, during the season it will go up and down, just like Michelin will. We'll see at the end of the season who's in front. It will be a very close competition."

Schumacher added the Ferrari is planning to run its 2004 car, which will be unveiled at Maranello on Monday, from the start of the season.

"At the moment, our intention is to use the new car in the first race," he said. "We're not thinking of any other scenarios."