Schumi: F1 revamp will help me

Schumacher expects to continue winning in 2003

Michael Schumacher expects the overhaul of Formula One to play into his hands next season.

F1 bosses made a string of changes to the sport on Monday in a bid to halt Ferrari's and, in particular, Schumacher's domination.

F1 rejects radical change

But the five-time world champion warned his rivals the new proposals would suit his abilities - particularly his skill in going right to the limit of a car on his first lap out of the pits.

This is something Schumacher does better than any other driver in F1.

The German said: "I especially find the change to the qualifying format positive because I can set a fast lap time straight away."

Qualifying will now take place over two sessions rather than one, with drivers given a solitary lap in each session to determine their grid position.

Other changes will see a ban on team orders and a restructuring of the points system, with points awarded for first to eighth place in each Grand Prix.

The new rules explained

Schumacher described them as "globally OK".

I experienced something similar in International Touring Cars - it's a worthwhile idea

Giancarlo Fisichella

And his sentiments were backed by Jarno Trulli, like Schumacher one of the three drivers' representatives to the FIA, the sports' governing body.

Referring to the changes in the points system, the Italian said: "It's also right to reduce the gap between first and second. Four points was too much."

Another driver to back the proposals was Trulli's countryman Giancarlo Fisichella.

Speaking about the new qualifying plans, Fisichella told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "I experienced something similar when I drove for Alfa Romeo in International Touring Cars.

"It's a worthwhile idea.

"If, as happened this year, the three leading teams don't have any problems then we must fight for seventh place and it's right that whoever finishes there should be rewarded."