Schu Keeps Pressure On Alonso

[Senna 0]

SCHU KEEPS PRESSURE ON ALONSO

Michael Schumacher has ramped up the pressure on Fernando Alonso ahead of the Spaniard's home race by declaring him the favourite for victory at Barcelona next weekend.

Despite lapping up to 2s faster than anyone during the San Marino Grand Prix last weekend, Schumacher suggested that the Renault driver still has a performance edge ahead of next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

"Let's say that Alonso is still the favourite," he told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But Ferrari is demonstrating that it has overcome the difficulties from the beginning of the season, so we'll be there too.

"McLaren are very strong, so they too are among the favourites. And let's not forget about BAR Honda, who seems like they're doing well in testing."

Schumacher admitted that qualifying will be crucial in Barcelona.

The German made a mistake after struggling to generate enough heat in his Bridgestone tyres over one lap at Imola, costing him several seconds and rendering him 13th on the grid.

"It's very hard to pass at Montmelo," he said.

"We'll need to start in front to have a chance of victory."

Schumacher also revealed how the Ferrari team has been boosted by his performance in San Marino after such a dismal start to the season for the world champions.

"The race at Imola gave the team a good push, that's for sure.

"Our whole team was in pretty good spirits after Bahrain, because everyone had seen that the new car lived up to our expectations.

After all, the beginning of the season had caused us some grief. Imola was just what the doctor ordered. Each and every one of us is even more motivated than we usually are now."

[kiko01 0]

I think MS and Ferrari are the favourites but i don

[Senna 0]

I think MS and Ferrari are the favourites but i don

[Shadow 0]

and added reason is ofcourse homeboy that correct

[Senna 0]

This is just another example of Michael

[Buttonfan 0]

I think alonso is doing a good job for not letting Schumi's mind games getting to him. He is doing better than most of the young drivers in F1

[Senna 0]

I think alonso is doing a good job for not letting Schumi's mind games getting to him. He is doing better than most of the young drivers in F1

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He is also in a much better car than most/all of the young drivers in F1. Schumacher has never been very good at mind games