Schumacher eyes Italian revival

Ferrari's Schumacher and Barrichello in testing at Monza

Michael Schumacher will have to draw upon all his experience, as well as the passion of the Ferrari fans, in Sunday's head-to-head with championship leader Mika Hakkinen at the Italian Grand Prix.

The 31-year-old German has said the 14th round of the 17-race season, the last race in Europe this year, is critical to his hopes of a third crown - and Ferrari's first since 1979.

McLaren driver Hakkinen has won the last two races, taking his points tally from the last five grand prixs to an impressive 42 and opening up a six-point lead over Schumacher.

But Ferrari will be a different proposition on their home track as Schumacher, outdriven by Hakkinen in Belgium two weeks ago, seeks to add to his victories for the scuderia in 1996 and 1998.

It's the crowd that makes the difference and what separates this race from the others

  Frank Williams

"Obviously, winning the Italian Grand Prix in a Ferrari is something very special for any racing driver," said Schumacher.

"But for me, right now, it would be more special to win this race for the sake of the championship.

Competitive

"We have not been as competitive as McLaren in the last two races and we have been working 110% to change that for this race at Monza.

"With only six points between us and four more races to go, I am still optimistic about our chances. One win or a retirement can change the whole picture."

In an attempt to close the performance gap with McLaren, Ferrari have been working on a new low-downforce aerodynamic package together with a development engine.

For his part, Hakkinen will be looking to record his first victory at the Italian Grand Prix on a circuit heavily modified since last year.

Hakkinen has seized the initiative in the last month

The first two chicanes have been changed, with the first made slower - and safer - and the second opened out.

The changes have not won universal praise, particularly among Italian drivers, for whom the Monza track has always been regarded as a 'temple' for speed on the F1 calendar.

"In terms of safety it might be better, but for racing it is worse," said Jordan's Jarno Trulli.

"The first corner is a lot tighter now and taken in first gear, which will make the start even more interesting than usual."

Safety

Schumacher said he felt the changes had made the track safer.

"It might be difficult for the 22 cars to go through without accidents, but it is up to the drivers to avoid these situations," he said.

Winning the Italian Grand Prix in a Ferrari is something very special for any racing driver

  MIchael Schumacher

Another experienced hand, Williams team boss Frank Williams, however, is just looking forward to one of the great occasions of the Formula One year.

"The track is fast with some very demanding high-speed corners and it's also tough on the cars.

"But I guess it's the crowd that makes the difference and what separates this race from the others.

"I have always thought of them as the Italian winter football crowd warming up for the season, but whoever they may be, they provide a palpable atmosphere, which is enthusiastic and highly supportive - even if we are not in Ferrari red."