Ralf now backs his brother - 2nd July 10:30am GMT

Ralf Schumacher has had a rethink after writing off older brother Michael's chances of winning the Formula One title for the sixth year in a row.

The Toyota driver said at the French Grand Prix he believed the Ferrari ace could still take a record eighth crown after last month's U.S. Grand Prix tyre crisis played straight into the 36-year-old's hands.

"It's great for him, it puts him back into the possibility of going for the championship again if the next few races run well," said Ralf, whose crash in practice in Indianapolis triggered the Michelin furore.

Events at Magny-Cours on Friday also favoured Schumacher, with McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen picking up a 10-place penalty on the starting grid after suffering an engine failure in practice.

"Kimi had an engine problem so that's going to help him (Schumacher) as well," said Ralf, eighth in the standings with 20 points.

"I didn't think (Michael could win the championship) but in the given circumstances, especially when nobody else scores, it's a totally different issue, isn't it?

"I still think under normal circumstances it's going to be difficult but who knows how many technical problems another guy might have," added the German.

Ferrari's Schumacher has won the French Grand Prix seven times and said on Friday he believed he had a chance of victory again on Sunday.

In May, when Schumacher was 34 points behind Alonso, Ralf told Bild newspaper: "Ferrari can forget about this world championship.

"As much as I would delight in an eighth family title -- it will no longer be."