Schumacher confident of closing gap

Michael Schumacher insists Ferrari are closing in on Renault as they look to bounce back in the San Marino Grand Prix this weekend on home ground at Imola.

The world champion has only two points to his name this season after a troubled two races with a modified 2004 car followed by a disastrous debut for the new machine in Bahrain.

But Ferrari return to Europe after an exhaustive testing session confident they can return to the battle at the front.

Schumacher is adamant his new car is capable of fighting for victories and feels today’s practice sessions are proof he is not far from the pace of the dominant Renaults.

The German was just one place and a fraction of a second slower than world championship leader Fernando Alonso in practice today to give Ferrari’s home fans hope of a turnaround.

Schumacher said: “It has not been bad. We are very close to most of the teams. Alonso is only within a 10th or so of Rubens Barrichello and I, so that is a good indication for the rest of the weekend.

“The car is very strong in many areas and also the tyres worked well with a new compound. I think consistency is our strong point.

“There were no reliability problems. It was quite okay today. I am happy with the handling, we had a good balance right from the start so we could work well on the car.

“We brought a new aerodynamic package and we worked a lot on tyres and this is why we are better. I think we can be confident for qualifying and the race.”

Ferrari managing director Jean Todt is also hopeful of a return to winning ways but the Frenchman rues their poor start to the season.

Renault have stolen a march on Ferrari with three consecutive wins to stretch out a 26-point lead in the title race.

Todt said: “We are happy to be here at Imola for the first European race. It would have been good if the championship started today but that is not the case and we have come to the fourth round of the season with a big gap to the leaders.

“While taking into account the usual Friday unknowns, amount of fuel on board and variable track conditions, our evaluation of today’s work can be a positive one.

“This is a special race for the team as it is the nearest to Maranello. This Friday has provided an encouraging sign for the rest of the weekend.”

Renault ace Alonso has warned Ferrari not to get too carried away with their display today though.

The Spaniard only clocked up 12 laps compared to 38 for Schumacher and he claims fast lap times were not on his agenda.

“Today was primarily a tyre test,” said Alonso, who was nevertheless 0.126 seconds quicker than Schumacher. “We got good results on clean runs and now we have the data we need to make our choice.

“On the set-up side we are still lacking in grip but I think it will come. The car seems quite competitive at this track and that gives me good confidence for the rest of the weekend.”

Standings after second practice today:

1 Pedro de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes 1:20.484

2 Jenson Button BAR-Honda 1:21.052

3 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 1:21.704

4 Ricardo Zonta Toyota 1:21.889

5 Fernando Alonso Renault 1:21.899

6 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:22.025

7 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1:22.048

8 Alexander Wurz McLaren-Mercedes 1:22.174

9 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 1:22.211

10 Takuma Sato BAR-Honda 1:22.335