Schumacher expects BAR challenge

Michael Schumacher is hoping to continue his perfect score for the 2004 season at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix but is expecting a strong challenge from BAR. Schumacher concedes that after the early races of the season things are not so easy, and the current champ also thinks Renault will do well at Barcelona.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"We would like to continue our series of victories at Barcelona; things are becoming more difficult," said the German. "To tell the truth, Spain will be the hardest test so far and, as I said at Imola, I expect BAR-Honda to perform well."

"They did well during winter testing and in the last round of tests at Barcelona and it wouldn't surprise me if they showed this form again this weekend. I am tempted to say that they are among the favourites but Renault are up there too."

Schumacher pointed out that the Circuit de Catalunya "has always been considered a good indication of a team's potential", and that being competitive there means a team should be good everywhere. However, Michael doesn't believe that's necessarily a correct assumption.

"I have my doubts about this and don't think that it still holds true," he commented. "There are a few things that make me think that it won't be the case. If we consider that some cars, because of their rigid structure, should struggle to cope with the fast curves at Barcelona, and instead they seem to do well."

"This either means that the cars themselves are good or that the characteristics of a track, for modern F1 cars, are not as significant as they were in the past. I am curious to discover the answer to this."