The Real Me Will be Back Soon, Says Schumacher

World Champion Michael Schumacher says he will be back to his winning form soon after two races where the German Ferrari driver has been lacking his usual pace and motivation.

Schumacher, who clinched his fourth title at the Hungarian Grand Prix this season, has not won a race since the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa at the start of September, after being affected by the terrorist attacks in the United States in the last two races at Monza and Indianapolis, where he finish fourth and second respectively.

As he heads to the final race of the 2001 season in Japan, the Ferrari driver has admitted that he has not been his usual self, but that he is ready to return to winning ways by taking victory at Suzuka this weekend.

"We have probably seen a realistic Michael Schumacher in Spa, but since then I am not so sure," Schumacher said. "But we will soon see the real one again. This season has been without a doubt my best season, apart from the two failures at Imola and Hockenheim.

"It's been a few years since I have come to Suzuka without any pressure," he added. "But that doesn't mean I have less motivation. I want to have a good race and try to win, because it is important to go into the winter break with a good result and also I want to please our fans, especially as we did not do so well in the last race."