Schumacher Not Fearing Collusion in Japan

Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher has said he does not fear rivals Williams and McLaren will collude in a bid to deny him a record-breaking World Championship.

Schumacher needs just one point to land the drivers' world title with McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, the only man who can stop him, needing victory in the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Williams are three points behind Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship and a Schumacher retirement would aid their bid to take the title - but the reigning champion said 'dirty tricks' will not come into it.

"I don't think that Williams and McLaren will work together against us as. They have different objectives," Schumacher said. "Williams want the constructors' title and McLaren the drivers'. We want both."

Ferrari accused Williams and McLaren of collusion in the 1997 season-ending European Grand Prix when Schumacher crashed out after tangling with title rival Jacques Villeneuve. Villeneuve, whose Williams car was damaged, allowed McLaren drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard to pass him on the final lap with the Canadian needing only to finish in third to claim the title.

McLaren and Williams were cleared of collusion in a hearing after the Jerez race, and Schumacher was disqualified from the Championship for dangerous driving.

Schumacher is taking nothing for granted heading into this weekend's Suzuka showdown despite needing a top-eight finish to surpass Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five World Championships.

"Sport is unpredictable, but this is just part of the game," Schumacher added. "As to the rest, this time the new points system seems make things easier. I only need one point so it is enough to finish eighth but I repeat what I have always said - first I will try to win it and then I will speak about it."