Schumacher: It's not over yet

   Copyright c 1998 Nando Media
   Copyright c 1998 Reuters

SUZUKA, Japan (Oct 31, 1998 - 13:38 EST) - Michael Schumacher said he
wouldn't fall prey to overenthusiasm or premature celebrating after he
drove his Ferrari the pole for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix with another
locked-in performance on Saturday.

After securing his third successive pole and the 20th of his career, the
German was as calm and unemotional as if he had merely been out for a quiet
stroll.

"Everyone has to remember that this is only qualifying and we must not
get too excited. Everyone has to forget it quickly and just concentrate
very hard on the race. That is the important thing," he said.

"Of course, it is nice to be on pole position today and I am happy for
everyone in the team, for all the guys who have been working nearly 24
hours a day for the last four weeks.

"They have improved my car in all areas and Goodyear have done a
fantastic job with the tires, too. I think Goodyear have shown they are
really going for it and want to win this title, in their last race, just as
much as we do."

Schumacher, 29, needs to win with someone other than title rival Mika
Hakkinen of Finland in a McLaren second to take the title.

He said he was not too disappointed at seeing Ferrari team mate Eddie
Irvine of Britain fourth on the grid despite the team's hopes he would
qualify higher and be able to act as a defensive buffer between Schumacher
and the Finn.

But Hakkinen wound up second fastest and will share the front row of the
grid with Schumacher.

Hakkinen's team mate David Coulthard of Britain qualified third and will
share the second row with Irvine for the start of the 53-lap race which
promises to be an explosive affair.

"Having Eddie on the second row, not too far behind, is quite
encouraging for me," said Schumacher, who had seemed disappointed
immediately after the session.

"He had a problem with his car today and he should go better tomorrow
and he may even be in a position to get past Mika. That is what I hope for,
of course."

Irvine himself was not too downcast despite a busy session during which he
had several problems.

"I had an exhaust problem in the morning and that loss of time did not
do me any good this afternoon," he said. "But the car felt a lot
better on low fuel and with new tires.

"In the end, fourth was the best I could do. ... But one of my runs
was spoiled by yellow flags. At least I am ahead of the pack.

"I decided not to go out for the final run once we realized my fourth
place was safe as I knew I could not match Coulthard's pace or time. That
meant that I saved a set of tires for the race.

"People ask me what I can do to help Michael ... Well, what can I do
for him? Looking at his performance today, and mine, maybe I am the one who
needs help."

While the Ferrari team worked methodically to prepare for the race, with
the Italian company's president Luca di Montezemolo in their midst after
spending the session perched on the pit wall, sporting director Jean Todt
said he was also satisfied with their grid positions.

"We have made the best of it, of the conditions today," he said.
"Eddie is fourth and on the second row of the grid. That is
satisfactory.

"The race will be difficult. I expect it to be very tough and very
close. It will be hard-fought."

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