Schumacher Says Ralf is his Biggest Rival

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher sees younger brother Ralf as the biggest obstacle between himself and a fifth Formula One world title.

"If I say Ralf's my main challenger, everyone will say it's because he's my brother," the German said in an interview with Motorsport News weekly published on Wednesday. "But if I say he's not, I would lie."

Michael leads the Championship after three rounds but Williams driver Ralf is second and eight points behind in a season that has so far been a battle between the Italian and English teams.

Ralf won the Malaysian Grand Prix and was second in Brazil two weeks ago, a race won by Michael who also took the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

"People have often criticised him, even after he won in Malaysia," Michael said of Ralf. "But that's not to look deeply at the situation. He certainly has the ability, he has proved it very often, and he's proving it again."

Michael was, however, less complimentary about Ralf's Colombian teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, the driver seen by many fans as the champion's real rival.

Montoya, a Formula One debutant last season, has shown off his credentials by overtaking Michael on several occasions and he and the Ferrari driver have clashed twice on the track this season.

Montoya, who took his first win in Italy last year, has been on the front row for the last two races and was also on pole in Brazil.

"I understand to some degree why people might see Montoya as a bigger rival because of his approach but that is a rough look rather than an analysed one," said Michael. "You have to take a whole season into account.

"There is a little bit more to being the new man than just to have two or three good manoeuvres. I don't want to discredit his abilities, they are very high. But I believe there are other drivers around who have made a far bigger impression.

"Montoya can be a very good driver, he can win World Championships. But we won't know for two or three years."