Schumacher is closing in

Either Barrichello or Montoya have to finish in the top two to thwart Schumacher who is aiming for his eighth win in 11 races this season.

"Coming to Magny-Cours this time has a special feel to it because everyone is waiting to see whether we will succeed in winning the title," said Schumacher, who even if he misses out on Sunday could claim the title on home soil a week later.

"I am simply going into this race feeling positive because we feel completely confident with our F2002 and the whole package we have available," he said.

Schumacher, who has finished on the podium in every race this season and has not had a retirement for a year, added: "We will definitely try to do it this weekend because I certainly want to win at Magny-Cours.

"But that doesn't mean I will have won the whole championship. That's not just dependent on me it also depends on where my cocompetitors are placed. So I really wouldn't mind if it were to happen in Hockenheim."

Schumacher will equal the record set by Argentine legend Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s if he claims his fifth driver's crown. But Schumacher has already won 60 races compared to Fangio's 24, albeit from far more Grands Prix, so it would make him the most successful driver in championship history.