Short breaks do Schumi a world of good - 7th June 18:38pm GMT

The mind is free from all distractions, the body in perfect physical shape and the mood brilliant. Taking a short break in the USA ahead of the twin challenges of Montreal and Indianapolis has some advantages. Michael, in the company of his family and friends, left for North America the evening after the GP of Europe. He planned to enjoy a few days of freedom and the holiday has had the desired effect as he approaches the GP of Canada in tip-top condition. “We have had a lot of fun here. We have enjoyed it and did something different every day”, revealed Michael. “Our short break before overseas races is now a tradition and it gets better each time we come. The countryside is dreamlike! Corinna and I not really townies and so we really enjoy spending our free time together here”.

With the season in full swing, the world champion is not totally relaxed and analysed the feedback from the Ferrari tests held last week by other Scuderia drivers. Naturally, the results of the tests and the information obtained would be of interest, but the reigning champion could not be drawn on the outcome of the two upcoming races: “I prefer to skip that one”, he smiled. “Lately, I have not made very accurate predictions. I will be going to Montreal and there, with the team, will be doing the best that we can. First of all we have to wait for free practice on Friday and only then will we have a clearer idea of how things stand. There are many teams who have worked hard and so I would prefer to wait before evaluating the situation. What is certain is that we will be fighting right down to the last”.

The Canadian GP is one that Michael enjoys, not only for Montreal’s friendly atmosphere, but also because it is a race in which he has often been successful in the past. It is understandable that the seven-time world champion is looking forward to it: “we want to get back to the top. If there had not been the untidy start at Nurburgring that compromised my race, Rubens and I would now be in a very good position. However, we have taken a step in the right direction and it is in this direction that we have to continue”.