Schumacher optimistic after recent tests

Racing may have been on a three-week break since Melbourne but the track activity continued with testing and Michael Schumacher is optimistic after Ferrari's recent work. It hasn't been the easiest start to the season for the Scuderia but Schumacher is confident the team will be in good shape for this coming weekend's San Marino Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Mark Gledhill.

"We gathered a lot of experience during the first three races and we're very optimistic about having been able to find solutions for all problems that we incurred," he told his website after Barcelona testing last week. "We have gained a lot of insight and that is having a very positive effect. So I'm optimistic regarding the race at Imola."

"Our new aerodynamics-parts are helping us, the tyres are good and we have improved the engine and worked hard on our set-up. So our tests were very productive and the whole team did a terrific job. So, of course I'm already looking forward to the next race at Imola."

Last year Schumacher was very competitive at Imola and spent the final laps of the race putting huge pressure on Renault's Fernando Alonso to try and take the lead. Alonso stayed ahead and claimed the victory but many were surprised by Ferrari's pace after its poor early performances. Can Ferrari can take the fight to Renault this weekend?

Imola is not far from Ferrari's Maranello headquarters and no doubt the fans will be out in force. Schumacher aims to give them something to cheer about. "Cheering fans are always a big help in difficult times!" He said. "There's nothing better than feeling their excitement and support. And it goes without saying that we want to give them every reason to cheer."

Meanwhile, there is speculation that Ferrari will confirm Kimi Raikkonen for 2007 at Imola. The Finn has been linked with the Scuderia for some time but so far there has been no concrete evidence to indicate a deal has been done. "I do not comment on rumours, as that would just set off more rumours," was all Schumacher had to say about the never ending gossip.

As for his own career, the German has been reluctant to speak about whether he will continue after this season or retire but Ferrari expects a decision in the not too far distant future. Technical director Ross Brawn is quoted by newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung as saying "I'm convinced Michael will let Ferrari know his decision between now and June, maybe even as early as May."