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The Easter break
is over and Michael is totally focused on the race at Imola
that he last week described as "the start of the challenge
for the title". The opening of the European season should
see a more competitive Ferrari live up to the hopes of the
Prancing Horse fans.
"We tested intensively and well at Vallelunga and Barcelona
and gathered a lot of useful information", revealed Michael.
"We proved what we thought over the first few races but,
unfortunately, we have demonstrated only too rarely: the
pace is there; the package works. We are in the ball game.
The new aerodynamics and the engine improvements are a clear
step forward. We have also worked on the tyres and the set
up and have received positive feedback in each sector. I
repeat: now we have to improve our chances and that means
always being among the leaders."
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Official Scuderia
Ferrari test driver Marc Gene in track action at
Barcelona last week. He has made optimistic comments
suggesting that the team should be able to target
victory at Imola. |
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Michael Schumacher
testing with the Ferrari F248 F1 at Barcelona last
week: "The new aerodynamics and the engine improvements
are a clear step forward" |
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Improve and do it consistently; and there are factors that
show that this can be done. The Vallelunga tests have
highlighted the steps made with the tyres. Team morale has
grown visibly. Even though the first three races did not go
according to plan, Michael and the team's competitive spirit
has grown and there are no lingering doubts.
"We want to do well at Imola and we want to be among the
title challengers", continued the seven-time world champion.
"We have fine tuned our package during the tests and I think
that we have a car with which we can compete for victory. I
do not believe that the gap to the leaders is too big to
close. Imola should be the first step towards this".
Stay calm; don't panic, is the motto. "I have been part of
this world for a long time and it will not drive me crazy",
added the Ferrari man with a smile. "I have already seen
other championships completely turned around. The most
important thing is that we have the potential and so
everything is possible." As always ahead of Imola, Michael
will take part in a charity football match. His team is made
up of a number of Formula 1 drivers and will line up at the
Benelli stadium in Ravenna against a team from the Banca di
Romagna.
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