23.03.2004 'A fantastic race, difficult, but absolutely fantastic’ MICHAEL SCHUMACHER ON HIS MALAYSIAN VICTORY

Michael Schumacher on the podium in Malaysia'A fantastic race, difficult, but absolutely fantastic.’ Great enthusiasm for one who, by now, should be used to winning.'

Michael Schumacher, just returned from Malaysia, beamed the same smile that the whole world had admired on the podium in Sepang.

For Michael it will be a brief period of domesticity to celebrate the fifth birthday of Mick, his son, before climbing once again into the cockpit of his Ferrari next Thursday. ‘Let's be clear about this; the race certainly wasn't all easy’, commented Michael.

‘We had some difficulties and we were all focused because Montoya was so close. This made the victory even sweeter’, he admitted with a smile. ‘It has to be said though that F2004 is simply a great car.’ It is such a great car that some believe that Ferrari's dominance is boring the F1 fans.

Michael has already said that he does not see things in these terms; he prefers to be realistic: ‘yes it has been a perfect start to the season, but this kind of thing has been part of the Formula One world for too long. There are still 16 races to go. I really don't understand how you could think something like this.’

The sixth time a world champion cannot be provoked: ‘F1 is a very competitive sport and our rivals are motivated and able to counter-attack at any time. How often in the past have the early leaders been overtaken during the course of the season? If we think back to last year when Williams did not do very well at the beginning of the season and then, all of a sudden, they were going for the title. Or you could think back to when we, after Budapest, seemed out of it, then after the next race we were right back in with a chance of the title; I will not make this mistake.

'Some said last year that the teams that performed well in high temperatures would have an easy time of it on every other circuit, but I don't think this can be said for this season; instead the situation has to be assessed race by race. Naturally, I wouldn't complain it if it turned out to be true.'