"Obviously, it can’t get any better for us than the weekend we have coming up: the Italian Grand Prix. It is our home race and we have already won both world titles," Michael Schumacher commented today.

"What we would like is a huge Ferrari party. We want to celebrate with our fans; the ideal thing would be to do it with a good race and a good result. In any case, it will be an exciting weekend. It will be tight because our competitors have improved. McLaren-Mercedes and Renault have done well in testing but I think that we too can challenge for the win. In fact, as always, that is our objective.

There is nothing new to report as regards the track. There have only been a few small modifications made and so not that much has changed. I have completely got over the crash I had there last week. Racing involves risks that, luckily, do not often have serious consequences.

"Anyway, Ferrari Racing Days on Sunday gave me the perfect incentive for this weekend’s race. I really enjoyed myself at Nuerburgring and tomorrow evening will be another occasion to whet the appetite with the traditional football match in aid of the national drivers’ charity. It should be great fun. So, let’s bring on the weekend and the race!’