Schumacher feeling fresher than ever

Schumacher equalled his own and Nigel Mansell's record of nine wins in a season and broke many records on his way to taking the world championship this year. Ferrari is expected to dominate again in 2002, but the German believes that sewing up the title so early, with four races to go, has left him in fine form for next year.

"Since the world championship had been decided so early," said Schumacher, "and due to the phase after Spa where everything slowed down due to the terrible events in the States, I am feeling less tired at the moment than usual at the season's end. I am less exhausted, I am more relaxed and am longing less for the winter break than previously. Quite a good sign really."

Schumacher and co must wait until January next year, before they can get back behind the wheel, due to the winter testing ban. The drivers must therefore keep themselves occupied while the teams busy themselves with developing next year's cars.

But far from sitting around, Schumacher will get back behind the wheel this weekend at the karting world championship in his home town of Kerpen in Germany. The Ferrari number one will be pitting himself against the world's top up-and-comers, including McLaren-Mercedes protégé Lewis Hamilton.

"This is a real challenge to me," Schumacher said of the event, which is to be held at his father's kart track. "Formula 1 is of course the ultimate challenge, but driving a kart has always been something special to me. I am of course aware that the guys I will be racing against drive karts every day, but that entices me even more."