Schumacher says he can still retain championshiptitle

By Claas Hennig Jul 6, 2005, 17:12 GMT

German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Ferrari is on his way to place third in the French Formula One Grand Prix at Magny-Cours racetrack in France, Sunday 03 July 2005. EPA/KERIM OKTEN

Silverstone, Britain - Although he appears to be further away from retaining his title than ever before World Champion Michael Schumacher says he is not giving up.

I have not written off the title," Schumacher told the German motoring magazine Auto, Motor und Sport. For a while there was no more a mathematical than a realistic chance of winning. Thats changing now."

Schumacher is positive that the teams fortunes will change and, that we will soon be the leaders again". Schumacher added that, we are not as far away as many people think".

But after last Sundays reality check in Magny-Cours, where Schumacher came a distant third behind championship leader Fernando Alonso in a Renault and McLaren-Mercedes' Kimi Raikkonen, he admitted, we are too slow".

The defending world champion is now looking ahead to the British Grand Prix in Silverstone on Sunday, the eleventh of the 19 Formula One races this season.

Schumacher has 40 driver championship points and is well behind Alonso on 69 points. The world champion can take some consolation from the fact that Raikkonen, is just five points ahead of him in second spot.

Its now all down to who can take points off Alonso," said Schumacher. McLaren are very strong. If we can beat them, then they could act as a kind of buffer in front of Renault. But things would get difficult again if Alonso continues to come first or second".

The Ferrari car is also a cause for concern. Schumacher says there is room for improvement in the cars Bridgestone tires, aerodynamics and engine.

This has all come at the same time because at the beginning of our problems we had to make sure the car was stable and thats why we are a little behind schedule".

Schumacher rejects a statement from his team colleague Rubens Barrichello that he has already reached his best form.

I dont think I have reached my zenith. Formula One is changing constantly. If you cant change with it then you have passed your best moment," says the seven-time champion.

Retiring is not on the cards, as long as Im a challenger". However, his contract with Ferrari runs out in 2006.

There is no reason to extend it this early because many factors play a part in this decision".

Silverstone is expected to be a continuation of the duel between Alonso and Raikkonen.

Although the Spaniard comfortably won the French Grand Prix, it was the Finn who looked the fastest, climbing from 13 position on the starting grid to second on the podium.

McLaren team manager Ron Dennis says he is impressed with Raikkonens ability to deal with losing and bad luck. This gift has made him an example for the whole team," Dennis told the German magazine Sport Bild.

Sundays race will take place on very familiar ground for most of the teams who have their workshops based there. Some of the drivers have even settled down in the area.

Alonso lives just 40 minutes away. The team is based in Enstone so for at least half of the team members its a home game".

The Renault driver is looking forward the British Grand Prix as Silverstone is always one of the biggest races in the year and it will play an important role in deciding the championship".