Schuey: Spa most fun I've had in F1

The five-time world champion trounced his Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello and the rest of the field at Spa-Francorchamps and he admitted that it was a performance to savour.

"I am sure if anyone could have seen my face while I was driving, they would have spotted a big smile," Schumacher said. "Especially if it had been before the pit stop."

The German lowered the lap record seven times in a row, from laps five to eleven. "I just drove flat out all the time up to the third stint, after which it would not have made sense to do so and it was better to nurse the car.

"The early part had been more enjoyable, a pure joy to drive and the car was going really well, just as I had expected. To be honest, I approached Spa with certain expectations. The F2002 had already shown itself to be very good and the two circuits have some characteristics in common.

"The car works particularly well in fast corners and so I had secretly hoped the race would be a pleasure, which it was. I don't think I've ever had such fun during a grand prix!"

Schumacher and Ferrari now turn their attention to the Italian Grand Prix. Testing at Monza begins today.