A mental victory

(23-Oct-98) - Michael Schumacher believes that he will be crowned world
champion in Japan next month.

"I sense that something is going to happen that will make us win the
title," he said. "I can't explain where this premonition comes
from, but I can assure you that it's there."

Ferrari engineers have been working flat out to bridge the four-point gap
to McLaren's Mika Hakkinen in the final race of the season at Suzuka.
Schumacher claims the efforts have already paid off.

"We've made enormous progress in all areas of the car," he said,
"we've done everything we could."

The situation is as follows. Hakkinen would still become champion even if
he finishes second behind Schumacher and both men end the season level on
96 points.

The two drivers will have seven victories apiece, but the Finn would beat
the German 3-2 for second place finishes, so much depends on the efforts of
their number two drivers.

"I hope that there's someone between me and Hakkinen." Said the
double World Champ. "I don't know who that could be, but obviously it
won't be Coulthard. I'm sure that Eddie will do everything he can to stay
behind me, I'm counting on him a lot because he's been very quick at
Mugello this week."

Ferrari ace Schuey denied he was at a disadvantage compared to this point
last year, when at Jerez he was leading the points before the final duel
with Jacques Villeneuve.

"Having a psychological advantage means everything and nothing at the
same time," he said. "What really counts is what happens when
you're behind the wheel."

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