Ferrari boss refuses to take foot off throttle

FERRARI will not ease their pace over the final four grands prix of the season despite comfortably wrapping up both world championships.

Michael Schumacher’s second place last weekend in Belgium was enough for the German great to add another driver’s title to the kitty, just two weeks after sealing the constructors’ crown for his team.

But Ferrari managing director Jean Todt insists the team are still highly motivated to achieve more success this year, especially after seeing McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen win at Spa-Francorchamps.

“We must win,” he said. “We like success, but it’s good sometimes to see that you have a car which is in front of you and which is stronger than you. It gives you more motivation and more strength because you easily forget what you have achieved and you are more concentrated on what you have to achieve.”

Todt believes Schumacher, too, is as hungry as ever to win after clinching his seventh world title. Speculation after the Spa race suggested Schumacher may hang up his helmet but Todt has no doubts as to his star driver’s motivation. He added: “he has nothing to prove. He drives for pleasure, he does a job which is his passion, to drive for a team that he loves - and he is loved by the team.”

Schumacher has a chance to celebrate his record achievement with his home fans this weekend when he is guest of honour at a Ferrari event at the Nurburgring, just 50 miles from his hometown of Kerpen.

Todt hails the relationship between team boss and driver as key to their recent success.

“Sometimes it’s hard to believe what has happened over the last few years because what Ferrari is doing, what Michael is doing for Ferrari has never happened in the whole history of motor sport. It’s just fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Williams will emerge stronger after their difficulties this season, according to the men plotting their 2005 resurgence.

“The Grove-based team have endured a troubled season which has seen them slide from title challengers to also-rans.

They have picked up the pace in recent races but are still some way short of challenging Renault and BAR, let alone Ferrari.

But their troubles will make Williams a better team, according to technical director Sam Michael and BMW engine chief Mario Theissen.

Michael said: “It’s obviously a long road and we have made a lot of changes recently. The strength in depth is still inside Williams.

“Our co-operation with BMW is strong. We made a lot of progress in the last year and having a bad year like this probably brings you together more.”