Schu just loves a dogfight

MICHAEL Schumacher may enjoy winning easily, but nothing quite gets the blood pumping for the six-times world champion more than the prospect of a nose-to-tail dogfight.

And that is just what Schumacher expects to encounter this season as he chases an unprecedented seventh world title with the likes of BAR, Renault and Jaguar all showing significant signs of improvement. There had been questions over the 35-year-old's motivation heading into the 2004 season after he became the most successful driver in the history of Formula One with his sixth world championship. However, Schumacher is a speed junkie yesterday he spent the day riding in the Victorian countryside with former motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan as he prepares for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

Although he joked about the joys of his stroll to the world title in 2002, the fact that Formula One this year is expected to be so competitive has really got Schumacher's juices flowing.

"I love the sport and the main part of the sport is the competition, the overtaking, the thrill of whether you make it or whether you don't make it," he said. "That's what I'm looking for, that's what I'm living for. I have won everything there is to win. Now it is pure pleasure and thrill."

Three days out from the opening grand prix of his 14th season, Schumacher remains as excited as ever in anticipation of the moment the mechanics leave the car and he is alone, waiting for the lights to flash green.

Ferrari's car did not perform quite as expected last year, due in part to the raft of new regulations introduced at the beginning of the season. But Schumacher is confident the team have adapted to the new regulations this year and will have every chance of fending off the leading challengers. He predicted Renault would pose a significant threat to Ferrari's constructors' title, along with traditional rivals McLaren and Williams.

His biggest challenge could come from within after Rubens Barrichello announced yesterday he felt his time had come to step out of the shadows.

"Rubens has improved a lot over the years and has become stronger and stronger. I just hope he stops now," joked Schumacher. "I have nothing against winning another championship as in 2002, but I am sure it will not happen."

Schumacher said another whitewash might prove detrimental for a sport to which his name and success have become synonymous.

Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One supremo, called on him to continue racing "as long as he wants to" and said the sport relied on him heavily.

Eddie Jordan, among others, had urged Schumacher to quit before his legend becomes tarnished by a drop in performances.