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Ferrari still have a way to go: Schumi
Michael Schumacher feels Ferrari will be a force to reckon with. More on Fomula One
Michael Schumacher feels Ferrari will be a force to reckon with in Sunday's US Grand Prix at Indianapolis even if they are no longer winners.
So dominant in 2004 with 15 wins in 18 grands prix, the Formula One champions have lost their way since and have racked up a nine-race losing streak dating back to last year's Brazilian season-ender.
However last weekend's Canadian Grand Prix provided a welcome boost when seven times champion Schumacher and Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello finished second and third.
That was their first appearance on the podium together since Italy last September.
"Of course we're happy, especially for everyone on our team," Schumacher said on his website.
"But this doesn't mean that we're going to set a higher goal for ourselves in terms of our expectations for Indianapolis. You have to stay realistic.
"Of course we've been working hard during the last weeks and have improved our performance, but (the Canadian) result was down to a bit of luck as well.
"As long as we're not really competitive in all stages of the race, and we weren't, especially at the start, we are not a top-team," added the German.
"But we've taken another step in the right direction and I'm sure that our time will come. And then we will go for bigger goals once again."
Schumacher said Ferrari's chances at Indianapolis were no different to Montreal, where leaders Renault and McLaren were clearly stronger.
"We may not be strong in all stages of the weekend, but we're a force to reckoned with and are able to go for it at any given time," he said.
"The important thing is to make the best possible use of our chances and to fight right up until the end - and we surely will do just that again this time. We're ready for Indianapolis and I'm looking forward to it."
The German has won the last two US Grands Prix while Ferrari have only been beaten once at 'The Brickyard' since Formula One came to the Indiana circuit in 2000.
"I think we have great enthusiasm at Indy, sometimes more than at some European races honestly," Schumacher said of Sunday's race.
"There are a lot of spectators who are foreigners living in the States who don't have a chance to go to European races and they are so hot to come to that race that it's sometimes more difficult to get into the circuit than elsewhere.
"I look forward to it, the atmosphere, it has been going well in the past and I hope for a good race as well this year."
