Schumacher relaxed after improvement

Michael Schumacher has urged his Ferrari team to relax after returning to form at the weekend.

Schumacher was the fastest man in the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday and only missed out on victory due to a combination of his qualifying error and Fernando Alonso’s superb defensive drive.

The seven-time world champion was impressed with Ferrari’s response to their poor start to the season, which had left him with just two points from three races prior to Imola.

Now he wants them to ease up, safe in the belief that he will return to winning ways soon.

He said: “It is always great seeing how Ferrari react in difficult situations.

“They remain calm and concentrated on the important things without ever compromising the creativity. They work as hard as ever.

“What the team have managed to achieve in three weeks is surprising. They have all worked day and night.

“This is how the result at Imola was obtained. I would like to thank each and every one of them and I am pleased that I was able to pay them back with a good performance.

“Now though, we should not relax. I hope to claim our first win soon.

“We will get back to being at the top. The race at Imola has given us courage and hope for the upcoming races.”

Schumacher has little time to put his feet up before the Spanish Grand Prix next week. He resumes testing at Mugello tomorrow.