Schu keeps believing

Michael Schumacher insists Fernando Alonso can yet be denied his second world championship.

Schumacher admits the British Grand Prix, which Alonso won with ease, was a major let-down for Ferrari, who had expected to push Renault hard at Silverstone.

But the seven-time world champion is taking encouragement from Alonso’s remarkable run of dropping just six points in eight races, claiming that proves the title race is far from over.

Schumacher, who is 23 points behind Alonso in the championship, said: “I admit that the Silverstone weekend was not too satisfying. We expected to be quicker.

“It all depends on how you want to see things and I prefer to be optimistic. It is true that the title race will be tight and this is how things will be – we know this.

“We have to realise that the season is not yet at its halfway point. So, if Fernando has built this lead, he can also lose it. This is how I see things and how my team does.

“We do not even take into consideration the idea of giving up the title race. There are still too many races to run.”

The 37-year-old is relishing a scrap for the championship and claims he savours a hard-fought win more than the walkover title he won in 2004.

He added: “There is nothing better than a long, hard battle. It makes the challenge all the more satisfying.

“I like to think that everything is still possible and we are determined to do our best to make it happen.”