Schumacher revved up for Alonso challenge after three-week break

Germany’s seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher said on Monday that he was relieved the season was finally resuming this weekend after a three-week break and insisted he is geared up to overtake Fernando Alonso in the championship race.

The 37-year-old Schumacher won three out of the last four races before the break and the Ferrari driver has been waiting patiently for Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul as he bids to carry on his rich vein of form.

“We had a bit of a holiday and of course it was a nice time but I could have done without it,” Schumacher said on his homepage www.michael-schumacher.rtl.de.

“I would have preferred to have gone straight to the next Grand Prix after the Hungary race.”

Spain’s reigning champion Alonso has seen his lead cut to just 10 points in the driver’s championship and Schumacher has the remaining five races to reel him in and win a record eighth crown.

“The world championship race is a lot of fun and I am raring to go for the next race. It is time for this Istanbul weekend to finally be upon us,” Schumacher declared.

“There are five possibilities to turn the world championship on its head and win the title.

“The hunt goes on and our will to win the title remains and Istanbul should be the next step.”

However, Renault driver Alonso is also confident of retaining his title.

“I’m feeling very positive. I am in the position where everybody wants to be – leading the championship, with the races counting down,” said Alonso. – AFP