With the Hungarian Grand Prix just days away, Michael Schumacher did not shy away from making predictions. “In recent years, the Budapest circuit has always produced a positive result for us. In 2001, a win brought me the Drivers’ championship and with Rubens’ help, we also brought home the Constructors’ title. Last year, we did the double again, with Rubens taking the win and once again we celebrated victory in the team title race. So why not think that this year’s race should produce a strong result for us?”

The Hungaroring circuit has undergone a few changes which might make overtaking easier. “We will only find out on Friday if the changes are sufficiently significant. The Hungarian Grand Prix is a race where strategy plays a key role, which could work in our favour, given that we have proved to be particularly strong in this area.”

The testing ban has prevented any new solutions from being tried on track, but this has not diminished Michael’s confidence. “It’s true that the F2003-GA will not be different to the car we took to Hockenheim, apart from the obvious aerodynamic modifications, but this does not make me any less optimistic. We know the situation in the championship and we will do all we can to fight for the win. As for myself, I feel very relaxed after a few days holiday. I want to get back to racing and cannot wait to be back in the cockpit of my Ferrari.”