Schuey offers help to Rubens

The Ferrari ace requires a victory at Suzuka to surpass Alain Prost's all-time record for the highest number of points scored - even disregarding the 78 points he lost when he was disqualified from the 1997 World Championship following his Jerez clash with Jacques Villeneuve.

But Schumacher, who stormed to his 11th pole position of the year in Saturday's qualifying session, is more than happy to wait to beat this record if it means he can help Barrichello achieve a Ferrari one-two in this year's drivers' championship.

The Brazilian lies seven points behind McLaren's David Coulthard in the points standings, and must therefore win the Suzuka race - with Coulthard fifth or below - to have any chance of overhauling the Scot.

"Rubens' situation is more important than the points record because I can score some more points next year," said Schumacher.

"What I do depends on how the race develops. But it is pretty obvious our aim is to get Rubens second in the championship. If I can do something to help him that is my job. If he is not up there I can race freely."

Schumacher has already this year beaten four-time champion Prost's record for the most ever grand prix victories, as well as taking over at the top of the list for most grand prix laps led from Ayrton Senna.