Schumacher eager for next challenge

It is not necessary to win to be a winner. The truth of this sentiment was proved once again at Imola yesterday. Although Michael ended the race in second place and Alonso consolidated his position at the top of the leader board, Michael celebrated as if he had won the San Marino GP.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by xpb.cc.

The main reason for this is the knowledge that "we will get back to being at the top. The race at Imola has given us courage and hope for the upcoming races". Michael's views immediately after the race were not all upbeat as there was some regret on having missed out on victory.

"I don't even want to get onto thinking about what could have been had I not made the mistake in qualifying in the morning," reflected the world champion.

Later that evening though, there was only joy. "Even I was surprised at how fast I was able to overtake Jenson. If I had been able to get past him sooner I might have had an even better chance of winning. Also, the three second gap from Alonso could have been made up if I had started higher up the grid."

"This all means that our car was fantastic. All the talk related to the performance of our tyres should, without a doubt, end here. We are very well set for the next race. I enjoyed the battle with Alonso very much and I can't wait for the next challenge."

The seven time world champion only just missed out on victory from thirteenth place on the grid. He added: "it is always great seeing how Ferrari reacts in difficult situations. They remain calm and concentrates on the important things without ever compromising the creativity. They work as hard as ever."

"What the team has managed to acheive in three weeks is surprising. They have all worked day and night. This is how the result at Imola was obtained. I would like to thank each and every one of them and I am pleased that I was able to pay them back with a good performance. Now though, we should not relax. I hope to claim our first win soon".

Michael will test at Mugello, as planned, on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday he will appear at a PR day for Vodafone.

-ferrari-