News Article

Source: IRS News
Date: March 6
Subject: Schumacher rules himself out


German Michael Schumacher on Thursday predicted his Ferrari would make a slow start to the season after ruling himself out as a contender in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. "We won't be able to win races in my view, not right from the beginning anyhow," Schumacher said of his prospects on Sunday at the Albert Park street circuit.

The 28-year-old double world champion has set his sights on earning enough points during the early rounds to stay within touch of the leaders in the hope of mounting a challenge later in the year. "We should be able to get on the podium in the first couple of races," said Schumacher, regarded as the main challenger to title favourite Jacques Villeneuve of Canada this weekend. "I am sure that we will be competitive at certain times and I am hoping that we won't have lost too many points (by then)," said Schumacher, who dominated the sport in 1994 and 1995 with Benetton before finishing third in the drivers' championship with Ferrari last year. Speaking to reporters at a news conference at the circuit, Schumacher said: "My aim is to be in a position to fight for the championship -- I don't care how many victories I get as long as I am in a position to fight for it."

Villeneuve has emerged as the driver to beat after the all-conquering Williams-Renault team gave him promotion after dumping world champion Damon Hill for the 1997 season. Villeneuve, runner-up to Hill last year, said he hoped other drivers would also emerge as potential rivals. "I hope it's going to be head-to-head with many more drivers than just Michael, because it's more fun," said the 25-year-old Villeneuve, who finished second behind Hill in last year's Australian grand prix on his debut in Formula One. "I'm really looking forward to this race and to start at least one place better than last year," Villeneuve said. The former IndyCar champion said he had gained valuable experience during his debut season in Formula One last year. "I know the basics now. Last year here, I had everything to discover."

After losing his berth at Williams, Hill joined the Arrows team but the 36-year-old Briton has admitted he has no chance of winning Sunday's race or the title. "We have a lot of ground to make up and there is no good in treading water -- so it is hard work for everyone at the team," he said. Hill said the team's Yamaha engine needed particularly strong development work to bring it up to scratch and warned that would take months to achieve.