Schumacher Refusing to Get Carried Away

World Champion Michael Schumacher is refusing to get carried away despite a dominant victory at Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix, claiming that it's premature to say that his fifth title is already in the bag.

Schumacher, who has clinched the last two Championships with the Ferrari team, has won three out of four races so far this season, and the German star scored his 56th career win last Sunday after dominating the Imola event from start to finish.

Teammate Rubens Barrichello finished in second place, giving the Maranello-based squad their first one-two finish on the year, and helping them move ahead of Williams in the Constructors' Championship.

However, despite a strong start that has allowed him to be 14 points ahead of his brother Ralf in the standings, the German has warned against complacency, claiming that there is still a long way to go before they can start celebrating.

"The whole weekend went off perfectly," said Schumacher of the San Marino Grand Prix. "We wanted to do well at Imola to make up for the previous year and so it turned out. However, to talk about the Championship already being in the bag, which some people are doing, is totally premature.

"If there is one thing I have learnt in all my years in Formula One, it's that there can always be surprises. Nothing should be taken for granted and a small thing can change everything.

"The fact we dominated on a track reckoned to suit the Williams is great and I am very happy about it, but we will still have problems and difficulties to face. We have to concentrate and we certainly cannot afford to be complacent."