Schumacher Sees Another Tough Year Ahead

Michael Schumacher says this year could be his toughest yet as he aims for a record seventh Formula One title.

"I think the next one is always the toughest," the Ferrari driver said at the launch of his team's new F2004 challenger. "It might be true that its going to be a little bit more difficult than it has been last year, although that's almost impossible. But we'll find out."

The German was taken down to the wire last year by McLaren's young Finn Kimi Raikkonen, with Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya's title challenge snuffed out in the penultimate race of the closest season in ages.

On his way to becoming the first driver to win six titles, Schumacher won six Grands Prix but struggled in qualifying and suffered the indignity of being lapped in Hungary.

By August, Williams were favourites for the Championship. But a tyre controversy and a return to form at Monza set Ferrari up for a final push, with Schumacher taking the title at Suzuka after finishing eighth.

The 35-year-old said, however, that rule changes and a new points system had exaggerated the situation.

"I knew Kimi was a very good racing driver, he had a good car and was very consistent although you should ask whether with so many second positions he should actually at the end of the season be that close.

"Is that correct or not correct? I have my own opinion, and I think no," he said. "It's nothing to do with Kimi, that's a general matter. Regarding Kimi, I think he will do a very good job this year again.

"We all know that McLaren have a car with a lot of time already in their hands, and they know it quite well now, as it's last year's car. With Williams and Renault it's a completely new car and we don't know their final situation.

"I expect their cars to change for the first race to some degree and maybe that will improve the situation in their favour."

Game On

Schumacher said he was confident his new car would be competitive and reliable from the start and also defended tyre supplier Bridgestone against those who suggested they would struggle this year.

"There's been a lot of discussion about tyres. If I'm correct, last year I think we won both championships with those tyres. So it can't be that bad," he said. "We have been looking very strong at the last test in Barcelona, so all in all I think we are ready for the game."

The new F2004 looks very similar to last year's F2003-GA whereas brother Ralf's new Williams has made news with a radical front nose unlike anything seen so far in Formula One. Schumacher agreed it was interesting.

"If you talk to the designers, you hear that its a solution that some have tried before so its not completely unknown for them," he said.

"So it will be interesting to see how long it goes that way and whether other teams in the end find a solution and go the same route or not. It's an innovation but at the end of the day it has to be quick enough."