What is Michael Schumacher to say?
His Ferrari team can claim the constructors' title in Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix and, though the German can't clinch his seventh drivers' title this weekend, that's a mere formality.
Asked on Thursday about his chance of winning both titles, he replied modestly. He suggested Renault had a shot in the team chase, and said Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello and BAR-Honda's Jenson Button had at least a prayer of taking the drivers' crown.
"We will surely win one or other of the titles," said Schumacher, who has won 11 of 12 races this season in the most dominant display in F1 history.
The season will have five races remaining after Hungary, and the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks may be where Schumacher wraps up the drivers' title.
Schumacher leads the drivers' standings with 110 points followed by Brazil's Barrichello (74) and Englishman Button (61).
In the constructors' competition, only Renault can overtake Ferrari, but that too is a huge long shot. Renault needs to outscore Ferrari by at least 10 points in the Hungarian race or Ferrari wins the constructors' championship.
In the constructors' points chase, Ferrari has 184 and a massive 99-point lead over Renault (85). BAR (76) is next then Williams (47).
"I hope we will be able to consolidate the constructors' championship here ... but it is just a matter of time," Schumacher said. "We are obviously very delighted to be in this situation at this time of the year."
If the six-time series champion wins on Sunday, he would become the first to claim 12 races in one season. Two years ago he became the first to win 11 in one season. A victory on Sunday would be the 82nd of his career, far clear of No. 2 Alain Prost (51) and No. 3 Ayrton Senna (41). With Schumacher so dominant all season, F1's hottest story is off the track where BAR-Honda driver Button has announced he will rejoin Williams next season and team with Australian Mark Webber. Webber is leaving Jaguar at season's end.
BAR-Honda says Button is going nowhere, and is under contract for 2005. Williams says it has signed a deal with him for 2005-2006.
The Contract Recognition Board, a body of lawyers that F1 uses to settle contract disputes, is expected to attempt to adjudicate the impasse. However, many are suggesting it may have to go to an English court to decide which contract is valid.
Button deflected some questions with a "no comment."
He said the team mood remained upbeat.
"There's a good atmosphere in the garage," Button said. "We're in a position to challenge for a victory here."
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