Ferrari ace itching for action after three-week break

The three-week break in the Formula One calendar ahead of this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix was too long – at least as far as Michael Schumacher is concerned.

“We took a short break and, of course, we had a nice time, but I didn’t really need that. I would have preferred if we had gone straight to the next grand prix from Hungary,” the German Ferrari star said on his website.

“The fight for the championship title is really exciting and so I’m extremely eager to race again. It’s about time now for the weekend at Istanbul to get under way.”

Schumacher trails defending champion Fernando Alonso by 10 points in a dramatic title race heading into Sunday, which sees the fifth-from-last race of the season.

Istanbul also marks the last race for Schumacher ahead of the planned announcement on his future at the following home event in Monza, Italy.

It is not known yet whether the seven-time champion will continue for another year or retire.

Neither Schumacher nor Alonso finished the turbulent Hungary race on Aug 6, but Schumacher at least picked up one point by being ranked eighth at the Hungaroring after crashing out late in the race.

Schumacher also failed to finish at the F1 debut of the Turkish race last year, but hopes that this won’t happen again.

“I’ve got mixed emotions when I think of last year’s race there. The race itself was a little bit disappointing, but the city and the people there were great.

“I felt very welcome here last year and I think I have reason to believe that I will do well on this circuit this time,” Schumacher said.

Schumacher said that the team must be at their very best in the concluding stages of the season as a small mistake can make a big difference in one race in particular and the world championship in general.

“We all know that the smallest details can turn everything around. So now we have to focus totally and do our best,” he insisted.

Schumacher also does not believe in a full advantage for Ferrari over Alonso’s Renault team – even though the German won the three races ahead of Hungary.

“It’s difficult to say prior to a race who is strongest and that can also change from race to race.

“But I think we will be among the best. After all, we are just as strong as before,” he said.

Schumacher also refused to dwell on a possible missed opportunity in Hungary as completely worn-out tyres denied him a possible second-place finish, which would have reduced the gap to three points.

“It’s no use being sad about the missed chances at Hungary, you’ve got to look ahead – things could have been looking a lot worse by now after all. We are still determined to secure the title and Istanbul is the next step for that.

“Our fighting spirit is the best – we’re ready for Istanbul,” he said. – dpa