The past few races have brought mixed results for the Scuderia Ferrari team starting with an encouraging return from Hockenheim and, above all, the showing at the GP of Hungary where Michael Schumacher scored pole position and went on to finish second in the race behind the McLaren of Kimi Raikkonen. However, Istanbul did not bring any points, in fact it has been classed as the team’s worst race of the season.

"It really was our worst performance of the season and, I would say, our worst for a long time,” Schumacher said. "It was a huge disappointment after Budapest and the potential shown. After Hungary we thought that the season could still turn in our favour. We thought we could get back to the top but the race in Turkey was a real setback".

The next round on this years agenda is at Monza this coming weekend, a race in which Ferrari traditionally performs well. However, as the seven time champion revealed, while they will be mentally strong, the objectives this year will be a lot lower and instead of a repeat of their one two victory here last year, a points finish is their main aim….

"We are mentally strong at home. We will not be subdued so easily. We have enjoyed fantastic success over recent years and one difficult season will not cause us too many problems. We are all still motivated and focused. We will work hard to get back to the top. Getting back to our best is all that interests us. Unlike previous years when we had much higher aims, this year we have lower objectives. Last week's tests were an improvement but I can't say that we are going for a podium or that we will repeat our showing at Hungary. We can still compete for points and, even if this cannot be considered our real aim, it is a necessary step in getting back to the top".

Michael was hard at work last week, joining the team at Monza for two days as the Italian squad prepared for the fifteenth round of the championship, attempting to perfect the tyres and the aerodynamics on the F2005.

"The next few races will be on circuits in which we have had some degree of success and which I know fairly well. I am optimistic. Obviously I want to show our fans that Ferrari is still a force. In exchange I hope they will give their support".

As per usual before Monza, the drivers took part in a charity football match. The opposing team was made up of actors and the game was held at the Brianteo stadium at 20.00.