Schumacher enjoys Interlagos challenge

Michael Schumacher is ready to go for the final race of the 2004 season and the challenge of the Brazilian Grand Prix is one he enjoys. The Interlagos circuit is tough on drivers and cars, as the track is anti-clockwise and notoriously bumpy.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"I like the Interlagos circuit very much, because it is very demanding and always throws up an interesting and tough challenge for the drivers," said Ferrari's champion at a Shell press conference this morning.

Schumacher's teammate Rubens Barrichello is keen to win his home race but Michael is expecting other teams to be equally ready to fight. "I am sure McLaren and BAR will put up a strong fight," he commented. "On top of that, the last race proved that Ralf is also on top form. So I don't think this will be a particularly easy race."

"As for Rubens, he is very determined and obviously he wants to win his home race. He is well prepared and last year, he came very close. There is no reason why he cannot do it this time."

Ferrari has had an amazing season, for which Schumacher credits the hard work the team does and how everyone always strives to improve. "Our strong point is the team, which always works hard and is constantly striving to improve," he explained.

"That is one of the great things about Formula One, that it moves along so quickly that the moment you start to think you are quick enough, you start to lose. Our strength is that we never get complacent and never stop."

Of Schumacher's seven world championship titles, it was the first with Ferrari that was the most special. "Definitely the one in 2000, as it came after several difficult years," he replied when asked which meant the most to him. "All of them are nice and unforgettable, but that one had a little bit extra."