Schumacher aiming for another celebration

Michael Schumacher and Ferrari have surely done a lot of celebrating recently and the champion is hoping for another party after the Italian Grand Prix. Monza is Ferrari's home ground and Schumacher, returning as a seven-time champion, is aiming to give the tifosi another win to celebrate.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"The fans are always behind us and their support is important; this is the reason that we can celebrate and so this weekend too we can give the fans a reason to party," he said. "Naturally, we hope to continue this marvellous season with a win at Monza."

Monza was not so kind to Schumacher during testing last week. A rear tyre failure sent his Ferrari crashing into the barrier towards the first corner. It was a big impact and the German took a minute to lie on the grass and catch his breath when he got out of the wreck. But he was not injured and has put the accident behind him.

"I feel fit and am in one piece," he said, although he admitted that he had been lucky. "It was fortunate that the accident ended up as it did and that there were no unfortunate consequences. Considering the how bad it was, I came out of it well and without hurting myself."

Bridgestone, naturally, investigated the cause of the tyre failure, although the manufacturer has yet to comment on the cause. "It is important that the cause of the blowout is analysed," Schumacher commented. "However, I am not at all hurt and so I am not going to worry about it too much."

All the teams were present for the Monza test in preparation for the coming race and Schumacher does not expect an easy victory this weekend. However, as usual, he and Ferrari will do their best. "It will not be a walk in the park, as was proved at testing," he said.

"The other teams are improving and will make it tough for us but it is our home race and this is an extra motivation. There should be huge crowds yet again. I cannot promise that this will be enough to win -- this is sport, after all -- but I can say that each of us will give our all, as always, hoping for a great celebration in the afternoon."