We are ready for the Istanbul challenge - Schumi

This weekend, the Formula One circus moves to Turkey after a three-week summer break. Michael Schumacher is ready to battle with Fernando Alonso for the World Championship, but first, Schumi will play a football match with the national drivers' team.

"Before the Istanbul race comes another exciting event as this weekend kicks off in the best of ways. We will play a football match tomorrow evening with the national drivers' team. It will be a good way to start the weekend. On Thursday it will be time for the sport I am best at: Formula 1. The Grand Prix of Turkey is one of which I have mixed memories. From a technical point of view, it is, unfortunately, a little disappointing. However, the city and its inhabitants make up for this as they are wonderful. Last year I enjoyed myself very much and so I have reason to believe that we can appreciate this track from a sporting point of view".

Istanbul is quite an unusual circuit, aside from the fact that it is run anti-clockwise. This means that we have to train especially for it and work on our physical form and neck muscles.

One feature of the Istanbul Park circuit is the variation in slope in some sections. Where the slope is not too great, the track is thrilling. However, all the curves are well balanced. It is also a very safe track, an extremely important factor for us in the GPDA.

Without a doubt, the most significant element this weekend is the fact that the world title race is heading into the next round. I am sure that we can be competitive, as our performance data confirms. We have already seen how tiny modifications can change the situation, as occured in recent races.

In conclusion, we will, as ever, be focusing on the aim of being competitive and high performing. We are ready for the Istanbul challenge".