Schumacher sure to fight for victory

Schumacher was quickest in the morning session and second fastest in the afternoon, when only world champion Fernando Alonso managed to outpace him.

Schumacher, who crashed in the Australian Grand Prix three weeks ago, has the slight advantage of a new and upgraded engine for the race at Ferrari's home circuit and can count on strong support from the passionate local fans.

"We are happy with the work done today, which has left me in a positive mood," said Schumacher. "I see no reason to be pessimistic. We have made progress in various areas and even if they are only minor things, all put together they have produced a good step forward.

"I think we can fight for pole tomorrow and I even believe we can be in the hunt for the win on Sunday," he added.

Schumacher has won six times at Imola, more than any other Formula One driver, but was beaten by Alonso last year in a stirring nose-to-tail battle to the finish.

Ferrari have struggled in two of the season's three races and need to rein in Renault in the first race of the season in Europe.

The 37-year-old Schumacher, chasing his 85th career win this weekend, has not won a proper race since he dominated the 2004 season with Ferrari's sole success last year coming in the six-car U.S. Grand Prix fiasco.

The German is fourth in the championship, 17 points adrift of Alonso.