Dennis: Schumi's double standards

Schumacher could wrap up the title on Sunday

McLaren boss Ron Dennis believes Michael Schumacher is getting away with tactics that would see other drivers punished.

With the season restarting on Sunday after a three-week break, Dennis attacked the way the championship leader intimidates other drivers and the sport's governing body.

"I'm not against Michael, but I wonder whether the view that he's the best is so widespread it militates against his misdeeds being punished with the same severity as others' would," Dennis said.

If other drivers perpetrated some of Michael's more questionable manoeuvres they would have been censured

  Ron Dennis

"It's improper he should successfully be able to project an aura that says he can do no wrong."

Schumacher has been scrutinised at a number of races due to what some perceive as "illegal" moves, particularly at the start of races.

Any such indiscretions have so far gone unpunished.

"I'm convinced if other drivers had perpetrated some of Michael's more questionable starts and first-corner manoeuvres, they would have been censured for them," Dennis said.

"Ayrton [Senna] was afforded the same latitude.

"I don't support such inequality, but I understand it."

Dennis thinks Schumacher intimidates other drivers

Dennis's comments reflect his team's frustration at a season that has almost entirely gone Schumacher and Ferrari's way.

The German could wrap up the title on Sunday and victory would see him equal the 51 Grand Prix wins record held by Alain Prost.

Heading into Sunday's race in Hungary, he holds a commanding 37-point lead over nearest rival David Coulthard with just five races remaining.

Ferrari could also clinch the constructors' championship as they lead McLaren by 58 points.

"I feel physically and mentally very much rested and refreshed," Schumacher said on Wednesday.

The title is ours to lose - it is up to us to make sure we do not slip

  Michael Schumacher

"It's time that things started moving again, and I have to say I am really geared up to driving now.

"I almost have the world championship in my pocket, but not quite - I will try to win it as soon as possible.

"As Ross Brawn [Ferrari's technical director] said before the race at Hockenheim, the title is our's to lose.

"It is up to us to make sure we do not slip."