Well in a recent interview at the United States Grand prix Ralf was asked about the rivalry. Is it as intense as ever, as demonstrated by some of the on track moments between the two, in particular the recent near clash between the two at the start of the Italian Grand Prix.

As the cars approached the first chicane both Ralf and Juan Pablo were running side by side and in order for Ralf to make the corner he had to cut across the painted concrete section thus incurring a penalty.

 Ralf responded to this line of questioning by saying: "No, it's just racing. I mean, there was a possibility and I was trying to take it as usual. I mean nothing, nothing special about it, is there?"

Ralf added: "Well, that's Formula One racing, at the end of a day. I don't know, I'm surprised. Usually I would be pointed out not to overtake people. So maybe that's why. But, you know, I try my best and if there's a chance, as I usually say, and I see the chance, I take it as I took there. It was very optimistic there. Because of the way the circuit is designed there, it worked out."

As for Ralf's performances over the season he was questioned as to whether he felt that his performances dropped off as the season neared its end, but in 2002 he has made a special effort.

Ralf disagreed with this view. He said: "No, I mean I think last year was a very special situation, at least for me. I don't know for other drivers. But I'm just trying to do my job as good as possible. Certainly if you look back to last year in qualifying, or maybe in general for the last few races, you could say they weren't too good, but then I still ended up on the podium, most of them. But I'm simply trying to do a good job all the way through."

With two races left to run and Ralf just two points behind his team-mate there is every likelihood that Ralf may finish the season in third place in the drivers championship. No doubt Juan Pablo will have a somewhat different view as to how the season will end.