Schumacher looks back at the British GP - 12th June 18:23pm GMT

Immediately after the post-race briefing, Michael left England on a jet. His plan was to head straight to the United States where, ahead of the Grand Prix of Canada, he will spend a few days on holiday with friends and his wife Corinna.

"This is just the type of break that I love: a long way from everything with lots of activities and in great scenery", revealed Michael before boarding. "Enjoying a couple of days like this before overseas races is almost a tradition for us. I am sure we will have fun".

"I admit that the Silverstone weekend was not too satisfying", continued the seven time world champion. "To be honest, after the positive outcome of the Barcelona tests, we expected to be quicker here". However, the Ferrari driver does not share the pessimism of other observers. "It all depends on how you want to see things and I prefer to be optimistic. It is true that the title race will be tight and this is how things will be; we know this. We have to realise that the season is not yet at its halfway point! So, if Fernando has built this lead, he can also lose it; this is how I see things and how my team does. We do not even take into consideration the idea of giving up the title race. There are still too many races to run".

"Naturally, we know that we have to reduce the gap and the only way to do this is to be faster than Alonso and Renault. It will be difficult seeing as they are doing a great job but the chase makes things all the more exciting. There is nothing better than a long, hard battle. It makes the challenge all the more satisfying. I like to think that everything is still possible and we are determined to do our best to make it happen".

Michael concluded by reflecting on the two North American races. "These two circuits are totally different. None of the teams has tested there and we will have a completely different aerodynamic package. I don't know how we will do compared to the other teams but I am sure things we go well".