Formula 1
Schumacher aiming for Suzuka victory
The titles may be wrapped up for Michael Schumacher and Ferrari but the 2004 champion is keen to notch up another victory at the penultimate race of the season. The Japanese Grand Prix is only a few days away and Suzuka is one of Schumacher's ...
Published: Oct 6, 2004, 9:38 AM
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The titles may be wrapped up for Michael Schumacher and Ferrari but the 2004 champion is keen to notch up another victory at the penultimate race of the season. The Japanese Grand Prix is only a few days away and Suzuka is one of Schumacher's favourite tracks. After his unproductive Shanghai weekend, the German is aiming to get back to his winning ways.
Michael Schumacher.
Photo by Brousseau Photo.
Ferrari tested at Jerez last week in preparation for Suzuka and Schumacher set an unofficial lap record. "Tests like this are enjoyable and you have the sensation of progressing as a team," he said. "We have worked hard for the last two races of the season and it seems to have gone very well."
"This is the great thing about Ferrari: even if the championships have been won, we are still hungry. Everyone is always motivated, we all have the same ideas and there is no standing still. The race team looks after all the details and the test team also works extremely hard. This is why it is always a pleasure getting behind the wheel for this team."
Schumacher is already en route to Suzuka to give himself time to prepare for the weekend. "The effect of both the time difference and the climatic conditions should not be underestimated and arriving too late could mean additional physical stress," he explained. "Getting acclimatised is important as it allows you, during the weekend, to focus exclusively on the race."
Naturally Michael wants to make up for Shanghai, where he started from the back of the grid and came home 12th. It was the only race he's finished this season where he did not score any points but although it was disappointing, he's put it firmly behind him.
For Suzuka, there's only one option: "We have had an extraordinary season and so we can only go for the victory," he stated. "There is no question about it and the fact that not everything went smoothly at Shanghai does not come into it."
"Lots of things went wrong at the same time but, on the other hand, it is probably normal that for once not everything went well. We have to stop thinking about it and I have no problem doing this. My thoughts are already on Suzuka and, as I have good memories from the circuit, I can't wait for this race."
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