Schumacher aims for win in Japan

The German is on a mission to end the season on a personal high with the blessing of both his team and championship contender Eddie Irvine - who is fighting for the title.

While Irvine needed Schumacher to concede victory at the last race in Malaysia his four point lead this weekend means that a win by the double champion would cripple rival Mika Hakkinen's chances more than his.

'This race is easier for me than Malaysia. I need to win the race if I can...that is my target this weekend,' said Schumacher.

He masterminded Ferrari's assault in Sepang and handed over the lead to Irvine and then held up Mika Hakkinen as he raced to catch the Ulsterman.

Despite the question mark over his fitness after a seven-race layoff Schumacher suffered little side-effect on his return race.

'The leg was a little bit more painful the next day, but no major concerns and I was obviously not a race where I went flat out from start to finish so that is why I felt better than the rest of them.'

On Sunday, he admits, he may not be so lucky around 54 laps of Suzuka's demanding figure-of-eight track.

'It will be tougher here because I believe the performance difference between us and McLaren will be closer than it was in Malaysia,' he said.

'Malaysia was a high downforce circuit and we have always been good on those. This circuit is more like Spa and we will have a less of an advantage.