Schumacher Expecting Tougher 2003

World Champion Michael Schumacher has claimed he will not continue his dominance of Grand Prix racing next year by insisting his incredible 2002 season was a one-off.

Schumacher smashed the record books with his Italian Ferrari team last season and won all but six of the 17 races as he shot to the Championship in record time. But, as Schumacher continues to rest at home in Switzerland while the rest of the grid work to develop their machines to catch up, he has admitted his rivals could beat him next year.

"This was a marvelous season which we certainly won't see the likes of again," said Schumacher. "It was a one-off. You simply can't repeat that. Next season McLaren and Williams will certainly have caught up and I am expecting there will be some exciting fights between the three of us - and I'm looking forward to it."

Schumacher as his Ferrari team fended off criticism that they have made the sport boring to watch by racing way ahead of the field and their refusal to allow the two drivers to fight for victory angered fans and team bosses and the sport's governing body has banned such moves for the 2003 season.