Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher was left in a positive mood in Imola, Italy, on Friday after setting the day’s fastest practice time ahead of qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix.
The 37-year-old German, who has won this race six times in the past, topped the time sheets in the opening free practice session in a time that was unbeaten for the rest of the day.
And it left the seven-time drivers’ world champion believing that he can fight for pole position on Saturday.
Schumacher said: ”I think we can fight for pole position, and even better, I think we can be in the hunt for a win on Sunday, so I’m very optimistic.”
Schumacher is searching for his first win of the season in what is seen as a must-win race for Ferrari at the Imola circuit that bears the name of the Italian team’s enigmatic founder.
And the former champion was happy with his day’s progress.
He said: ”The work we did today left me in a positive mood. We have made progress in various areas and even if they are only minor things, all put together they have produced a good step forward.
”The whole package is working better and therefore the car is quicker. I am very happy.”
Last year saw Schumacher deliver Ferrari’s most competitive showing of the season as he climbed from a starting position of 13th to finish second, right behind Fernando Alonso’s Renault. — Sapa-AFP