“Our car-tyre package is really great and the Bridgestone’s worked really well today,” said Schumacher. “We have often seen that even if we are quickest on Friday, we have failed to take pole on Saturday. So I would rather wait before assessing the situation. But at the moment, it looks good at the moment.”

The first session this morning saw very little off track moments but the track caused major problems for a lot of drivers in the second session. Michael himself suffered from a spin along with many other drivers. Schumacher knew this would be the case but is predicting that the track will improve and give more grip as the weekend goes on. The threat of rain is not a reason to be worried for the world champion.

“It’s a characteristic of this track and we saw a lot of cars go off the road during practice. That only makes the situation worse as it just brings more dirt onto the line,” explained the World Champion. “Then the little bit of rain we had made the track even more slippery. But tomorrow it will get better and I am not worried about the chance of rain, especially as the escape roads have been improved.”

With the Ferrari team focused on assisting Barrichello to second place, who does Michael feel will be the biggest rival to his Ferrari team mate? “I think it will be one of the Williams drivers, but at the moment it is hard to say which one.”

Once again the issue of Montoya at Ferrari was raised, and once again Schumacher stated he has no problems with the Colombian but is a bit puzzled at where these rumours come from. Both Schumacher and Barrichello are contracted to Ferrari until the end of 2004.

“Not at all. Now I know him better, I like Juan Pablo,” said Michael. “However, both me and Rubens have contracts until the end of 2004, so I don’t really know where these rumours spring from.”

In a recent survey it was discovered that a whopping 97% of people knew who Michael Schumacher is. And the German admits that while it is very flattering it is also nothing he is proud off as he prefers to have no fame and likes to enjoy a quiet life.