Upbeat Schu is ready for five-race run

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER is convinced he has the edge over his rivals as he prepares himself for a five-race scrap for the title.

The German believes team-mate Rubens Barrichello’s victory in last weekend’s bizarre British Grand Prix is a good sign for his own championship hopes.

Schumacher had to fight back to finish fourth after plummeting to 15th at one stage in the pit-stop scramble following the arrival of a track intruder.

The five-time champion now leads McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen by seven points with Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya 14 points adrift after they both finished ahead of Schumacher at Silverstone.

“The fight for the title is still open and that is the important thing,” said Schumacher. “I’ll admit I would have preferred to extend my lead over Kimi, but looking at the race with hindsight, I cannot complain.

“The race itself had moments of real madness and was action-packed. I spent much of it far down the field, so I can be completely satisfied with fourth place.

“Above all, I am happy to see that we have made a consistent step forward in terms of performance.

“I can take heart from the knowledge we are prepared for the next few races. Rubens drove a great race and won on merit. It was a well-deserved victory.”

Schumacher will be looking to score his first victory in four attempts when he lines-up in his home race at Hockenheim on Sunday week.

“I cannot wait to race at Hockenheim,” he added.

“Driving the new track is great fun. In my opinion, the modifications introduced last year are a great success.”