No hat-trick but Ferrari still confident

Despite failing to achieve a hat-trick of wins at last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher remains bullish about his and Bridgestone's chances for the rest of the year. "Second wasn't too bad," said the seven-time world champion. "But we expected more after our pace in practice and qualifying, and that is why the result is a little disappointing.

"But we must move on and focus on the next race in Monte Carlo. I am only 15 points behind Fernando Alonso in the World Championship, so I am very much still in a position to fight."

Schumacher's thoughts were echoed by Ferrari team boss Jean Todt. "In a way," said Todt, "it is encouraging to be so unhappy because we finished second with Michael and fourth with Felipe Massa (above).

"We felt we would be stronger and the others less strong, which didn't happen, probably due to the evolution of the track. But the Spanish Grand Prix is behind us and there are still 12 races to go. There is plenty of time."

The next round, the Monaco GP, takes place on 28 May where the Scuderia hope they will challenge for victory once again.