Schumacher says he has score to settle in Shanghai

Sep 26, 2006, 13:56 GMT

Hamburg - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher says he has 'a little score to settle' at Sunday's Grand Prix in Shanghai after finishing without a point at his two previous races in China.

The Ferrari driver said on his internet site Tuesday he was also putting 'all his energy' into winning the drivers' championship an eighth time before retiring at the end of the season.

'Into the next round - and I have a little score to settle with the circuit in Shanghai. Let's see if I can settle it at the weekend,' he said.

The 37-year-old German said his two previous races at the 'impressive' Shanghai track did not go well, but Ferrari now had 'a much stronger overall package so that I can hope that this year it will look better.'

Following victory at the Italian Grand Prix on September 10, Schumacher is now just two points behind Renault's title-holder Fernando Alonso of Spain with three races remaining. In the constructors' championship, Ferrari lead Renault by three points.

'I am convinced that in the constructors' championships we will have the better cards at the end of the day,' Schumacher said.

'But I absolutely also want the drivers' title. I am putting all my energy into this,' he said, calling on his fans to 'keep your fingers crossed for us'.

Renault admit the momentum is now with Ferrari, but point out that Alonso won in China last year while Schumacher has struggled on the Shanghai track at both races staged there so far.

'Shanghai is a good track for Renault,' said engineering boss Pat Symonds on Monday.

'But it may be more significant that Michael Schumacher had two poor races there in 2004 and 2005. That trend could continue this year.'