Michael Schumacher also spent the first part of Thursday morning in the city of Sao Paulo, but this time speaking at a press conference organised by Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro partner, Shell, ahead of this morning's first track action. The Shell conference in Brazil has been a tradition for several years now and Michael joked that he felt at home here. "I have had so many Brazilian team-mates over the years, that I feel I understand a lot about this place and its people." The large contingent of Brazilian and international journalists was keen to know how the seven times world champion felt about tackling his last ever F1 race. "I am trying to treat this Brazilian Grand Prix, as just another race, but occasionally, it comes into my mind that it is my last one. I am thinking more about this aspect of the weekend than about the Drivers' championship. I stick to the view I held immediately after the Japanese Grand Prix, which is that, in my opinion, the Drivers' title is already lost, because the circumstances needed for me to win are rather specific and I do not want to race having to hope that a rival will retire or have problems. But that does not mean I am not planning to try hard.
 

"I will be tackling this race in the same way I have done with all the others and will be trying to win and also, importantly for my last race, to really enjoy my weekend here at the Interlagos circuit, which is so interesting and challenging." So, if the Drivers' title was not on his agenda, what were Schumacher's hopes for Sunday. "I would really like to do the best possible to give Ferrari the Constructors' title," said the German. "To a car manufacturer, this is always a very important prize and it would be a nice way to end my career, helping them to one more trophy."

Meanwhile Felipe Massa looked as relaxed as one would expect, given this is his home race and that he has been here since shortly after the last race in Japan. But, also as one would expect, given he was sharing the FIA Press Conference panel with title contender Fernando Alonso, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro man was given an easy time with very few questions. As we approach the final round of the season, Massa was asked how his life had changed since he became a Ferrari driver. "It has changed a lot," began the Brazilian. "There is a lot more media attention and pressure, but that is the same for all drivers who join Ferrari. There is a big change in your public visibility and that is a good thing. As for my year on track, I think I have done quite a good job and I am happy with the way my championship has gone."

Felipe denied feeling extra pressure racing at home. "I think it's all on this guy," he laughed, pointing at Alonso. "And also on Michael. My race here? I will be trying to win as it has always been my dream to race here in a competitive car. I will do all I can to help the team of course. It is a bit more difficult after what happened in Japan, but we still have a chance to win the championship. The last race was disappointing for us, but that's motor racing and in this race, we will try and do the best we can. The atmosphere is fine in the team and after what happened to Michael in Japan, we have no worries about the engine." Short and sweet yesterday for Felipe!

Additional reporting by Claudio Perlini