Nice to be leading the Championship again - Schumi

It was almost dark by the time Michael Schumacher fulfilled his usual 4.30 appointment with the media today and in fact the meeting had to be cut short when torrential rain came down. Those same media had been very complimentary about the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver's performance in Shanghai, describing it as one of his best races ever, but the German did not seem to want to make much of a fuss about it.

"I have seen the race in China and I have to say it was a good one," was his modest assessment. "Everything worked well and also we had an element of luck that helped us. It is nice to be leading the world championship again, but it does not really mean much at this stage. It is more important to be in this position at the end and not just for the Drivers championship but in the Constructors' too. It was a bit unfortunate that we lost the lead in the Constructors and that was just because Felipe was unable to finish the race in China. The conditions were very difficult, but we still have two more races and I know I can rely on my team-mate to be very motivated, not just for the Constructors but also for himself in his fight for third position."

Level on points with Alonso with two races to go, but Michael was quick to point out this was not a new experience. "I have been in this situation for many many years so I know pretty much how to handle it," he laughed. "This is not the first time and I have been around for sixteen years! Let's hope it works out. This track is one of my favourites, even if unfortunately we did not get to race at my number one favourite in Spa this year. I think the weather is due to improve, but even in the wet, we have taken steps to improve our situation, although it would probably be better and easier if we don't have the conditions that require us to show that we have made this improvement. It would be better to have a dry race for us, but we will take it as it comes. We come here with a lot of motivation and a very good feeling because we believe this track might be even better for us than China was."

Naturally, the Japanese media are particularly concerned about this year's race being the last at Suzuka, at least for the time being. Schumacher had this to say on the subject. "It is sad that this is the last time we come to Suzuka for some time at least, although you must remember that it does not make much difference for me, as I am not coming back anyway. I don't know what Fuji is like, but we do know that most drivers like to race here."