Schuey takes BAR seriously

The world champion was on hand at Mugello to test new engine developments for Barcelona where he expects BAR to be even stronger than it has been in recent races. Jenson Button finished on the podium in Malaysia and Bahrain before setting pole position and racing to second in Imola last weekend.

"The main purpose for this test is so that we can have an improved version of our race car for the Spanish Grand Prix in order to stay ahead of BAR," Schumacher said. " I am very mindful of BAR.

"I wanted to test here all three days, but because the team wanted to do other programmes I can only do one.

"So far [of all the circuits they have tested at] BAR has been the most impressive at Barcelona. So we have to do a better job!"

On a separate subject, Schumacher was asked whether he was concerned about his most recent clash with old rival Juan Pablo Montoya after the pair made contact on the first lap of the San Marino GP. But the world champion dismissed Montoya's post-race comments and indicated that it won't effect the way they race together.

"I don't expect anything from Montoya," he said. "He was simply upset really. I don't think he will do anything on the track."