NUERBURGRING, Germany - Michael Schumacher has had his ups and downs
this season as he tries to regain the form that made him a seven-time F1
champion. Current champion Fernando Alonso has been very consistent.
The two face off again this weekend at the European Grand Prix at the
Nuerburgring, one of Schumacher's favorite circuits.
The Ferrari driver started the season with a pole position and a second-place
finish, and won in San Marino two weeks ago for his first victory in nearly 18
months. In between, he crashed out and had problems with engines and tires.
Alonso, meanwhile, has recorded two firsts and two seconds in four races for
Renault.
"So far, I have had perfect reliability this season, and we are working hard
to make sure that continues," he said.
In San Marino, Alonso was right behind Schumacher for the last half of the
race but couldn't find a way past him. Schumacher controlled the pace, sometimes
easing off the accelerator as times dropped nearly three seconds a lap over the
last stretch.
"I went there saying that second would be a good result for me, because
Ferrari have always been strong in Imola," Alonso said. "They were competitive,
like we expected, but I think that in the race, the Renault was very close in
performance and maybe even a bit quicker in race conditions."
Alonso isn't convinced that Ferrari will be a consistent challenger.
"So far, they have been strong at the same tracks as in 2005, and not so good
at others," he said. "It is too early to say if it will be the same this year,
so we can't write them off."
Alonso has a season-leading 36 points after four races.
"This has been a dream start for me, because there is such a high level of
competition in the field," he said. "I hope it will continue."
Schumacher, meanwhile, has 21 points and is looking to capitalize on the good
showing at Imola.