Schumacher eyes win

The double champion starts from the front for the second race in succession, and the 23rd time in his career, since returning from a seven-race lay-off through injury.

And he will have a major role to play as Irvine bids to come from behind after crashing out of qualifying and slipping to fifth on the grid.

By winning he could deprive Mika Hakkinen of the points he needs to keep the title.

'The best thing I can do is win the race and if Eddie finishes fourth that will be enough to make him champion,' said Schumacher.

'I will help him as much as I can with the data but he has to drive the car himself.

'It was a bit of a struggle yesterday but qualifying went well today. We were very competitive in the morning and it continued in the afternoon.

'The car is great and he has the number one bits on his car.

'I won't change my tactics. The easiest way is to win the race and that will help Ferrari with the drivers and constructors championship.

'Normally when we are fast in qualifying we are faster in the race and that should continue so I am not worried for tomorrow.'