F1 title push starts at Imola - Schumacher

Ferrari's Formula One title challenge will start for real at Imola next week, according to Michael Schumacher.

"We are full of hope," the seven times champion said.

"Last week's tests went according to plan and this is always a good sign in our sport. Things are fine in the team; everyone is pulling in the right direction and we all want to win.

"The beginning of the European season should coincide with the start of our drive for the world title," added the 37-year-old German.

Schumacher has yet to win this season after three long-haul races, with his only podium a second place at Bahrain. He finished sixth in Malaysia and crashed at the Australian Grand Prix.

The most successful driver in Formula One history is fourth in the standings, 17 points adrift of Renault's 24-year-old world champion Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard beat Schumacher into second place in last year's San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, a circuit named after the Italian glamour team's late founder Enzo and the nearest on the calendar to Ferrari's Maranello factory.

"We are certain that we are in better shape than may appear from the outside," said Schumacher.

"The potential is there, now we have to improve even more and be consistent.

"At Imola there will be many new features that we are testing at the moment."

Renault interest

F1 champions Renault are interested in signing Schumacher, his manager said this week.

However, Willi Weber said that Schumacher would not consider any offers until he had decided whether he wanted to continue racing beyond this year.

"I told Flavio clearly that we are not talking to anyone until Michael decides whether he wants to," Weber said.

"We've known each other for a long time and talk a lot to each other," he said of Briatore.

"Flavio let on that we should talk to him before we sign another possible contract with Ferrari. He seems to be interested."

"The truth is that we would first talk with Ferrari," added Weber.