Schumacher has premonition about title

   Copyright c 1998 Nando Media
   Copyright c 1998 Agence France-Presse

MILAN (Oct 22, 1998 - 11:44 EDT) - Michael Schumacher has had a premonition
that he will be crowned world champion in Japan next month.

Ferrari engineers have been working flat out to try and bridge the
four-point gap on McLaren's Mika Hakkinen in the final race of the season
in Suzuka on November 1. And the German driver claims the efforts have
already paid off.

Schumacher, who has been testing at Fiorano this week, said: "I've
been pleasantly surprised, even amazed, at the improvements we've made in
these tests, and I'm optimistic about our chances of success.

"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.

"I'm pleased, and proud, of all the work that's been done in the past
few weeks. We've made enormous progress in all areas of the car, and we've
done everything we could."

Though Schumacher will do everything to win, Hakkinen would still become
champion under Formula One rules even if he finishes second behind
Schumacher and both men end the season level on 96 points.

The two drivers will be 7-7 in terms of race victories -- but the Finn
would beat the German 3-2 for second place finishes. Much will depend on
the efforts of their number two drivers, David Coulthard and Eddie Irvine.

"All I can do is have faith in myself and, as always, try to win the
race. And I think I can do it. Obviously, though, I also hope that there's
someone between me and Hakkinen."

"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."

The former double world champion denied he was at a disadvantage compared
to this stage last year, when he was leading the points table before the
final duel with eventual title winner Jacques Villeneuve.

"Having a psychological advantage means everything and nothing at the
same time," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport . "Because what
really counts is what happens when you're behind the wheel."

--- Msged/386 4.20 beta 4