A step forward for Ferrari

Ferrari's difficult season has been well documented but Michael Schumacher believes the Scuderia took a step forward in Brazil. Initially it was perhaps not very noticeable, with Schumacher seventh on the starting grid and teammate Rubens Barrichello 10th, but the end result was better than some previous races, with Michael fourth and Barrichello sixth.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by xpb.cc.

"We certainly saw an improvement," said Schumacher, who still hopes for more improvement in the last two races. "It was easier to close the gap on this circuit (Interlagos) and we stayed ahead of BAR, Toyota and there was still a Renault behind us."

"Unfortunately, we were not in a condition to win but it was a step in the right direction. As I have already said, we would like to find a solution before the end of the season, putting us in a position to go on the attack again during winter testing."

Toyota's difficulties helped Ferrari stay ahead of the Cologne squad, which is homing in on Ferrari's third place in the constructors' standings. Jarno Trulli had a grid demotion penalty and didn't score any points, while Ralf Schumacher picked up just one point in eighth.

"The value of the team is very important to us," Schumacher stated. "We would like to keep third place. Losing it would not be very nice, not only for the pit lane position next year but above all for the image of the Scuderia. Coming third in a year like this one would not be at all bad."

Ferrari will test at the Paul Ricard HTTT in France this week and Schumacher is scheduled to be behind the wheel on Thursday and Friday. It will probably be the final test session of the year for this car as Ferrari is working on its 2006 challenger and no longer developing the F2005 -- tyres are the focus of the test.