18.06.2004  'I don’t think we have raced yet this year in such high temperatures, the weather could be a factor for the race', Michael Schumacher in Indianapolis ahead of the US GP

Michael Schumacher met the mainly American media, standing in the rain in the paddock, but while storm clouds gathered, all was calm as far as the reigning world champion was concerned.

'Last year the atmosphere here was very special and I am looking forward to this year's event,' was his opening remark. 'In 2003, I remember coming here in pessimistic mood and leaving Indy with much more than I had anticipated. We put on a good show and the fans gave us a great reception.'

This is the first time in the five years Indianapolis has hosted this race that it takes place in June rather than September and temperatures and humidity are significantly higher. 'I don’t think we have raced yet this year in such high temperatures,' commented the Ferrari man. 'The weather could be a factor for the race, although I’ve heard it is due to get a bit cooler over the weekend.'

The American media are fascinated by Schumacher’s relaxed demeanour and thought it might have something to do with the fact he was in the United States. Sadly, they were disappointed. 'I’m always relaxed,' replied the German. 'Even when I’m in Europe,' he added, although he did admit to enjoying the anonymity as to his identity here in North America.

It was a day for quick responses and when Michael was asked what made him better than the rest, he replied: 'At the end of the day, I’m just better at driving round in circles! For whatever reason, I am having a very good year.'

The British media were keen to get Schumacher’s views on the two Ferrari drivers' closest rival, Jenson Button. 'He is waiting for his first win and I think it will come. Racing is like any sport in that you don’t know when it will happen, but he is a very motivated driver.'

In three races time, at the British GP, the qualifying system changes again, meaning that cars will once again qualify in 'classic' trim, with minimum fuel loads, before being free to chose their fuel load for the race. With suggestions that at times, Bridgestone’s rival tyre has performed a bit better over a single lap, was Michael not concerned over the change in format? 'No, if you take all the eight races we have done so far this year, I think there have only been two grands prix where we had a slight disadvantage in qualifying and in the others we have been quite dominant, so there is no need for concern. In any case, if our tyres have not been the best in qualifying, they have made up for it in the race.'

As the season enters its second half, the opposition is naturally hoping that Ferrari's effort might have reached its top level, but this is not the case according to Schumacher. “I am confident in the development of the car for the rest of the year. Ferrar’s strength has always been this ability to develop a car over the whole season.'