Imola (Italy), Apr 27: World champions Ferrari believe that Michael Schumacher is racing better than ever this season and admitted his victory on home soil in the San Marino Grand Prix came easy.
Schumacher, who has won the last four world championships, said at the start of the season that he no longer has anything to prove after claiming a record sixth world title last year.
But he has stunned his Ferrari bosses with his continual perfection after cruising to his fourth consecutive victory in front of a home crowd in what could be the final Formula One race at Imola's Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari.
"Michael is driving as well or better that I have ever known," said the team's chief designer Rory Byrne.
"I've worked with him since he was at Benetton and if anything he is getting better all the time.



"This win was another example of that."



Cheered on by the staff from Ferrari's nearby Maranello headquarters, Schumacher took the lead from pole man Jenson Button in the first round of pit stops then cruised to his 74th career victory in 198 races.



Ferrari are also on top of their game and, with team-mate Rubens Barrichello's sixth place here, have dropped just eight points from a possible 72 - a better start than in any of their last five title-winning seasons.


Bureau Report