Michael Schumacher has warned Formula One championship leader Fernando Alonso to expect a Ferrari backlash at Imola this weekend.
The seven-times world champion, 24 points behind Renault's young Spaniard after three races, says he can be more aggressive in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix because he has nothing to lose.
"The events this season have been working in Fernando's favour, but that won't be likely to stay that way," Schumacher said on his personal website.
"He will have to keep the championship in mind now and will have to handle some situations differently, for instance be more careful and pull back sometimes just to make sure he scores some points.
"I, on the other hand, have nothing to lose so I can attack and push," added the German. "All the other drivers can take more risks than he can."
Alonso, 23, has won the last two races from pole position and Renault are now aiming to open the European season with a fourth triumph in a row after winning in Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain.
Schumacher, who has made the worst start to a season of his 14-year-career after winning 13 of last year's races and the first five in a row, remained confident however.
{{/usCountry}}Schumacher, who has made the worst start to a season of his 14-year-career after winning 13 of last year's races and the first five in a row, remained confident however.
{{/usCountry}}"There's no two ways about it: our goal is to start winning races again and I think our chances are quite good," said Schumacher.
"The fight for the championship title is not anywhere near it's decisive phase yet. The season is quite long yet, there will be lots of changes still," he said.
Schumacher has won the San Marino Grand Prix five times in the last six years and Ferrari are confident he can again be fighting for victory on Sunday to end the team's run of four races without success.
The champion has tested the new F2005 extensively since its troublesome debut in Bahrain three weeks ago, completing some 2,500 km on the track.
The 36-year-old will limber up for Sunday's race by playing in a charity soccer match in San Marino's Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night.