Schumacher Upbeat for Monaco

The German has been working on a tyre development programme for Bridgestone at Ferrari's Fiorano test track this week and says he is bullish that the team's form at Monaco will be similar to what they experienced at Imola - where he was able to lap two seconds per lap faster than his rivals during the race.

"I have a good feeling for Monaco, as I have had some very good years there," said Schumacher in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday. "I know it will be hard for us but Monte Carlo is closer to Imola than to Barcelona."

Speaking about the work that Bridgestone have done, he said: "Bridgestone have focussed on some specific work just for Monaco and we are putting that to the test.

"There have been improvements from the start of the season but clearly they haven't been enough. Between Bridgestone and us there's always been a great feeling and I'm sure we'll catch up, but we can't say when until we fully understand what's happening to us. This is normal."

Schumacher's confidence for the Monaco Grand Prix comes from his belief that just as Ferrari have fallen off the top so quickly, so they can return there just as fast from their current position.

"For a long time I said that it's impossible to carry on winning forever, and you wouldn't believe me. Now that we are losing I say that it's possible to go back to winning, as soon as possible, and I hope you'll believe me."

He added: "Everyone knows we don't give up easily and our rivals are cautious. They are intelligent enough to know that we are still able to win and to fight for the championship. I think the losses made us more human, we are not machines. I think people understand that and can't wait for us to win again."

Schumacher has also backed up claims from Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo that this year's World Championship was being decided more by tyres than by machinery.

"We all know that tyres have been important in the past too, but this year with the new regulations they are even more so," added the German. "At the start of the season we had a small string of problems and we are working towards solving them."