It is now almost traditional for Michael Schumacher to take a mid-season rest before the Canadian Grand Prix.

The German champion left for North America with his wife, Corinna, last Tuesday in order to adjust to the time difference. ‘For us, this has become a habit. I think it has been ten years that I have been arriving early to take in the countryside and the tranquillity of the place. Everybody knows that I prefer the countryside to the sea, because we feel at ease in the open air and so we really enjoy this holiday. The best thing is that I can go safe in the knowledge that in the meantime Ferrari is continuing to work hard. I know that I can trust the results of the week’s testing. As other drivers have done, now I can also take time out without any negative consequences. This is one of the great things about Ferrari: everyone realises how important it is to rest now and again and so the work is spread out more evenly.’

Michael has put behind him the missed opportunity of Monaco; he has tried to convert it into positive energy. Montreal could give the world champion the chance to grab the overall lead for the first time this season. ‘Obviously we are going out to win in Canada, as in every race. We have a great car whose qualities should be evident in Montreal. The circuit is one to which the F2003-GA should be perfectly suited; we only have to think back to our top speeds during the last race. The Canadian GP is one in which the performance of the engine counts a lot and this is one of our strengths. I believe that in this area Ferrari are ahead of all the other scuderia. We have a superb engine and I am very proud of the guys that developed it.’

The 'Gilles Villeneuve' of Montreal is a track that holds fond memories for Michael. Among these is his podium finish with his brother, Ralf; Ferrari’s 150th victory and, obviously, his five wins here in 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2002. ‘I enjoy racing in Canada, even if Montreal isn’t the track best suited to my driving style. I like high-speed curves and here there aren’t any. So I can’t really explain why this race has always gone well for me. Maybe it’s because I feel so relaxed in Canada…’