Schumacher Unfazed by Rivals' Testing Times

Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher has suggested that the team, currently testing their modified 2004 car in Jerez, could be faster than pre-season testing times suggest.

Ferrari will compete in the opening rounds of the season in the F2004M ahead of racing their new car at the Spanish Grand Prix in May.

"May I remind you about last year?" Schumacher commented to journalists when asked about the lack of stunning times so far from the team. "Back then we weren't looking too good in Valencia, and Jerez as well, but coming to Melbourne it was extremely different.

"Last year we saw teams which were not so strong at the beginning, like BAR, caught up and overtook the others at the end. So all in all I think what we see now is an indication, but no guarantee. Therefore I am hoping it will be the same again and I do not have to worry."

Schumacher pointed to the difference in programmes between the teams as a difficulty in working out which team are currently fastest, noting "obviously there is a big difference between simulating qualifying and doing long runs, as we did, but still you clearly have to say it is not only due to the programme.

"Mostly we are trying to judge the duration and behaviour of the tyres. The temperatures we have here in Spain are not to be compared with the ones we will have in Australia and, even more so, in Malaysia. The next thing to work on will be having the engine fixed for two races. It is not quite clear at the moment who is on the necessary level already."

When pushed for his opinion on which teams he thought would be competing for honours this year, Schumacher continued "our opponents are very strong at the moment, especially Renault and McLaren. They are consistently strong, so it looks like they will be the biggest opponents."