Ferrari And Schumacher Still The Favourites?

[Kaciaj 0]

Michael Schumacher insists his World title defence is "far from over" despite slipping further off the Championship pace in the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver trails Championship leader Fernando Alonso by 34 points after five races, the last of which in Barcelona saw him retire with tyre problems.

But Schumacher, who has won the title seven times in his record-breaking career, refuses to give up hope and has vowed to bounce back.

"Those who consider us to be out of the running do not know us. Of course it wasn't the greatest result in the race for the title, that is clear enough," he said.

"Despite this, the season's opening races have proved just how much can change during a single weekend and how quickly they can change."

"So, I'll say it once more - the season is a long one and lots could still happen."

"Obviously the title challenge has got harder but all is not yet lost. We will go on working and battling. As I said yesterday, it is far from over."

"We will not be swayed by all the worry. We will work calmly on our weak points and we will get back to being competitive as soon as we can."

Schumacher's boss Jean Todt has called on Ferrari to fix their qualifying troubles if they are to return to the top.

The World Champions have struggled to get up to speed quickly enough for one-lap qualifying, forcing Schumacher to battle through the field, losing valuable time.

Todt believes that problem is key to Ferrari's current difficulties.

He said: "We have everything. It's up to us. We aren't doing a good enough job, that's clear. We're not going to find excuses."

"There's not a lot missing. But we must start in front. If we start in front we will be strong."

[Kaciaj 0]

Sadly, as Ferrari goes on testing and testing, I don't see any real rival for them in the championship hunt...they might be slowed down by the tyres but their car is the best of the lot...I hope to be wrong but...