Confident Schumacher cranks up the pressure on Alonso
The Ferrari driver returns to home ground this weekend for the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim buoyed by consecutive wins which have cut Alonso’s lead to 17 points.
He is desperate to use home advantage to full effect and pile the pressure on to Renault rival Alonso.
Schumacher said: “I don’t think that I have to state how charged up we are. I believe that it is clear for all to see.
“I can sense the same thing from the team. Our competitive spirit has been reawakened and we want the title.
“Things can change quickly in Formula One and this means that even a big lead can suddenly vanish. “We are all focused on our objective — to put pressure on our adversaries, make up ground and win again.”
But Alonso is not rising to the bait, retaining the calm confidence which has marked him out all season as title favourite.
He believes his defeats at Indianapolis and Magny-Cours should not be a cause for concern and is yearning for a return to the form which saw him win four consecutive races earlier this year.
“I am feeling very optimistic,” said the world champion.
“We had a strong first half of the season, and they key thing now is to keep going and finalise the job.
“The Renault team is ready, and I am ready. I think we can finish 2006 the same way we started it.”
Alonso, who turns 25 on Saturday, hopes he can dent Schumacher’s rediscovered confidence by inflicting defeat in front of his army of home fans.
He knows the pain of failing to live up to expectations after Renault’s homecoming two weeks ago ended in defeat, and he wants to turn the tables on Schumacher this time around.
The Spaniard added: “It’s important to beat Michael at every race — not just Hockenheim. We know that at this stage of the season, we have to be finishing in front of the Ferraris.
“But I think that a win in Germany could be worth more than 10 points because of the psychological aspect. I try to win all the races — but it would mean a lot to take the victory here.”
Schumacher is also aware of the pressure a home race brings, but he can look back at victories on Ferrari’s home circuit of Imola and the other German race at the Nurburgring this year.
He urged his legions of flag-waving fans to inspire him to new heights this weekend, saying: “It has finally come around. For every German driver, the home race provides extra motivation.
“We want to turn the championship red and Hockenheim ought to be the next step.”
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