We have to look at the 'now' situation - Schumi

Just four days after taking part in the Canadian GP post-race press conference, having finished second in Montreal, Michael Schumacher once again faced the questions from the media in today's FIA Press Conference at the International Motor Speedway.

Questioned about the lack of wins and the points gap to the leader in the Driver's table, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver insisted he had not given up hope: "we keep on developing the car and we keep on fighting," said the German. "We have to look at the two areas of development, the car and the tyres and at the moment we are clearly not strong enough, as could be seen in Canada."

Asked if his excellent record - four wins and two second places - meant he could be more optimistic about this weekend, Michael replied in the negative. "I have a record of seven wins in Canada but it did not help me win last weekend. You have to look at the 'now' situation. I do not find the current situation frustrating. Last year, that was frustrating, but for example fighting for and eventually getting second place in Canada was exciting."

Derek Daly, a former Grand Prix driver himself back in the 80s, now a TV commentator here, asked if Schumacher felt that at his age, he had peaked in terms of his driving ability. "You never stop learning," explained the Ferrari man. "But, quite early on in your career, you stop gaining outright speed. But F1 as a sport develops all the time and you have to develop with it. I don't know if there is a moment when your reflexes slow down and your experience comes in to replace them. But if I compare myself to the team-mates I have had, I don't seem to be doing too bad!"

Then came the inevitable World Cup question, as Germany are due to meet Argentina in the next round: "I won't make predictions," said Michael. "But I will try and watch the game if I can. If we beat them, I would say we are over fifty percent there because Argentina is such a strong team it would be looking good for us."