19.04.2005 Michael Schumacher has undergone an intense week of testing in Italy for Scuderia Ferrari and ran 2500km in the F2005

Michael Schumacher has undergone an intense week of testing in Italy for Scuderia Ferrari and ran 2500km in the F2005. With the opening of the European season, the world champion wants to get back to the top in Formula 1. “There is no doubt about this: our objective is to begin winning again and I think we have a good chance” declared Schumacher.

After three missed opportunities, the current world champion still has sixteen races to compete in. “The World Championship, despite the opinion of some pessimists, has not yet been decided. For sure, the start of the season has not gone as well as we would have liked but from the outside the situation seems worse than it is in reality. We have had a lot of bad luck. In Australia, for example, I could have finished in the points if the weather had been better. I was also very hopeful in Bahrain. The race for the world title has not yet reached the decisive stage. The season is a long one and the classification can change”.

But is the gap to the current leader, Fernando Alonso, too large at 24 points? Michael shakes his head and smiles. “Twenty four points seem like a lot but it is not impossible to catch up”, he stated. ”We should remember that events have gone in Fernando Alonso’s favour so far this season.
 

Michael Schumacher - Ferrari F2005 - Fiorano - 15.04.2005

Michael Schumacher - Ferrari F2005 - Fiorano - 15.04.2005

Michael Schumacher - Ferrari F2005 - Fiorano - 15.04.2005

Michael Schumacher - Ferrari F2005 - Fiorano - 15.04.2005


"We cannot take it for granted that things will always be like this. Alonso will have to begin thinking about the championship and act differently on certain occasions, keeping out of trouble in order to earn precious points. I, on the other hand, have nothing to lose. I can only attack and press on. All the other drivers can take more risks than he can”.

Meanwhile, Scuderia Ferrari's intensive test and development programme continues unabated. Yesterday saw the first day of testing this week for the world champion's, with proceedings opening at the Monza circuit.

Luca Badoer was in action with an F2004 M at his disposal. The technical programme for the session centred on Bridgestone tyre development and engine testing. Badoer ran for the entire day on a track modified with the addition of two chicanes. A total of 463 km was completed. Badoer continues testing at this track today.
 

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Text & Photos: Ferrari