Schuey wants another party

Schumacher wrapped up his seventh world title at the Belgian Grand Prix nine days ago after bringing his car home second behind McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen.

This time out on Ferrari's home ground the world champion hopes to do one better and return to his customary place on the top step in front of the adoring tifosi.

"The fans are always behind us and their support is important; this is the reason that we can celebrate and so this weekend too we can give the fans a reason to party," he said. "Naturally, we hope to continue this marvellous season with a win at Monza."

Schumacher has not made a good start to his Monza campaign, though, having crashed heavily at the circuit during testing last week. The German suffered a left-rear tyre failure at the end of the start/finish straight traveling at around 220mph before hitting the barriers with the front and rear of the car. He emerged unscathed although slightly shaken.

"I feel fit and am in one piece," he said. "It was fortunate that the accident ended up as it did and that there were no unfortunate consequences. Considering how bad it was, I came out of it well and without hurting myself."

Schumacher may have the force of the tifosi behind him, but the German is not expecting an easy ride.

"It will not be a walk in the park, as was proved at testing," he said. "The other teams are improving and will make it tough for us but it is our home race and this is an extra motivation. There should be huge crowds yet again. I cannot promise that this will be enough to win - this is sport, after all - but I can say that each of us will give our all, as always, hoping for a great celebration in the afternoon."