“It was a real shock to see the crash and I was very relieved when I knew that Allan was okay. For sure, there is a bit of risk at this corner, but they have done as much as they can to make it as safe as they can. There are other corners on the F1 calendar that are more dangerous.”

As he got back to talking about his day the five times world champion admitted that his final run of the day was almost a perfect lap as far as he was concerned. “It was an almost perfect lap,” admitted the German. "Certainly there was very little room for improvement.” Surely with pole position and his record around here then it's almost a certain win for him? Schumacher admits he is confident but at the same time knows things can turn around quickly in this sport.

“But all the same, we must wait and see what the weather brings tomorrow,” continued the world champion. “If it is hotter, we know that the cars running the other brand of tyre could be more competitive. But Bridgestone has brought some good new tyres here and so I can be confident. I would like to give them a nice present on what is their one hundredth F1 race.”

Ross Brawn is missing from this race due to continuing back problems the technical genius has stayed at home. This would have been Brawn's 100th race with Ferrari had he made it to Japan but with a constant link to the team it seems as if he is really in Japan. Schumacher has only praise for Ross who despite his pain is still being very much part of the team. Missing Ross is more a personal matter for Michael as he knows that Luca Baldisserri is more than able to replace him on the pitwall.

“Of course we miss him,” said Michael. “But even though he is in great pain, he is getting up in what is the middle of the night for him, to help us via the phone and radio links. It is yet another great example of the total commitment of everyone in our team. Although we miss him, it is more on a human level, because the team we have working here and “Baldo” (Luca Baldisserri) who is replacing Ross here are all very capable of doing a great job.”

Some say the fun has gone out of F1, but not so for Michael who is enjoying every lap of this circuit at the wheel of his F2002, just as he did last year with the F2001.