Schumacher can't wait to start working

The German will return to the cockpit at Jerez in Spain this Thursday and Friday and claims that his disappointing 2005 campaign has left him more motivated than ever to get down to work.

"When I came home from racing in China, I did not feel the way I expected to feel," he told his official website on Monday. "I had no need for a vacation and no desire to rest. Quite the opposite in fact. Instead I began my preparation training for the next season.

"Through the winter I have been in regular contact with Maranello and stayed permanently in touch during the tests. This only made me want to drive again even more - so it is good that it is this Thursday and Friday and the wait is over. I am happy about that."

Despite the struggles that Ferrari faced in 2005, Schumacher believes that there is a renewed desire from everyone at the team to fight back. It was something he noticed at the team's Christmas party.

"The Ferrari Christmas party, as always is a large lunch with the total motoring department, sponsors, supplier and partners," he explained.

"This time it ended somewhat differently to previous years - this time had we now really nothing to celebrate - but as usual the atmosphere was fantastic nonetheless.

"The best part of the day was listening to the applause for Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's speech. You could sense a crackling tension and the desire to eliminate this year. Everyone is fired up which pleased me very much because that is what I feel also."