We have already used up our Joker - Schumi

"We were competitive here last year and everything we have done in recent testing suggests that will also be the case this weekend." These were Michael Schumacher's opening comments when he met the media in the official FIA Press Conference at the Imola circuit this afternoon.

Asked about the engine he will use this weekend, the seven times world champion confirmed it represented the first true evolution of the season. "It was always planned, but not for here of course, as if everything had gone smoothly, we would be on our second race with the Australian GP power unit," explained the German. "But I don't think the fact it is a first race for this engine gives us any sort of significant advantage." Schumacher also confirmed when asked that Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro are working on a 'seamless shift' gearchange. "But, although we know what its worth, we don't know if it makes the difference between winning and losing a race."

This is the fourth race of the season and, as yet no wins for Ferrari. "This makes it an important race for us but not a critical one," affirmed Schumacher. "We believe in our abilities, but now we have to show it. The points gap is not as big as it was last year or in 2003, but it's fair to say, we have already used up our Jokers at the start of the season."

On the eternal subject of his retirement as a driver, Schumacher maintained that he had not fixed a specific date. "When I make a decision then we will inform those who want to be informed," he said, adding when asked to respond to a comment from three times world champion Jackie Stewart, that for him, it was not vital to retire while on top. "Different people have different aims and for me the important one is enjoyment. As long as I enjoy myself then I will continue racing, but of course I enjoy winning more than losing!"