Schumi counting on 'new beginning'

With only two points from three races, the seven-time Formula One champion trails Renault's Fernando Alonso by 24 points.

Michael Schumacher is hoping this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix will mark a "new beginning" for his Ferrari team that so far this season has been unable to maintain its dominance of Formula One.

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With only two points from three races, the seven-time Formula One champion trails Renault's Fernando Alonso by 24 points entering the race in Ferrari's backyard.

"It's our home race and obviously we want to do well," Schumacher was quoted as saying on Ferrari's Web site. "Also, this year, the beginning of the European season coincides with a sort of new beginning for us. We want to get back in the race for the title and we think our chances are pretty good."

While no driver has ever overcome a 24-point deficit after three races and gone on to win the crown, Schumacher's title runs each of the past five seasons and this season's 19-race calendar - the longest in history - give him hope.

The German driver has been nearly unbeatable in Imola since 1999, winning five of the past six seasons, with only brother Ralf Schumacher interrupting the streak in 2001.

Schumacher is also much more confident in his new Ferrari F2005 model entering Imola.

Ferrari rushed the F2005 into competition at the Bahrain Grand Prix three weeks ago and improved in qualifying - Schumacher was second behind pole sitter Alonso - but Schumacher was forced to retire with an engine problem after just 12 laps.

Schumacher also retired in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and was seventh in Malaysia for his only finish so far.