Schumacher Tries to Appease Coulthard

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher has backed off from his criticism of David Coulthard's driving at the United States Grand Prix, in what seems to be an attempt by the German to appease the McLaren driver, ahead of the deciding two races of the Championship.

"After the [United States] race I was very perplexed," Schumacher told reporters yesterday. "From the cockpit I got a certain view of the situation, especially because he made contact with me. But when I looked at the television footage, it seemed to me that his maneuver was quite normal and there was nothing particularly strange about it."

Schumacher, however, further emphasised that he expects Coulthard to assist his teammate Mika Hakkinen at Japan, where the Ferrari driver has a chance of wrapping up the World Championship battle. "It is clear that at Suzuka David will do everything possible to make life hard for me by trying to help Hakkinen," Schumacher said. "But it is also clear that Rubens Barrichello will try and do the same thing for me as well."

Schumacher also added that he remains confident of his chances to win the championship this year, but also admitted he is feeling the pressure. "I'm going to Suzuka to win," he said. "We have a real chance of success because the car is really well prepared. If we don't succeed in Japan, then we will try again two weeks later in Malaysia.

"But I'm feeling the stress a little bit. It hasn't been a relaxing time at all, and I still haven't completely got over the jetlag from the States. But I'm prepared to sacrifice this and a lot more to bring the title back to Maranello. And the same can be said of the entire team.

"My strength comes from the fact that when I get into the car, everything else disappears. There is just me and my Ferrari and the engine that accompanies me lap after lap. Everything else, the fans, the expectations of all those in the pits, the anxieties and fears, they all just disappear."