Silverstone, July 23: Michael Schumacher has said he is well placed to lift another drivers' championship despite the closeness of the title race. With five rounds to go this season, Schumacher holds a slim seven-point advantage over McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen. At the British Grand Prix, the five-time champion fought back to finish fourth after dropping to as low as 14th in the aftermath of the intruder on the track.
But the German believes team-mate Rubens Barrichello's victory at Silverstone gave his own championship hopes a boost.
"The fight for the title is still open and that is the important thing," said Schumacher.
"I'll admit I would have preferred to extend my lead over Kimi, but looking at the race with hindsight, I cannot complain.
"The race itself had moments of real madness and was action-packed. I spent much of it far down the field, so I can be completely satisfied with fourth place.
"Above all, I am happy to see that we have made a consistent step forward in terms of performance.
"This is reassuring because, with the testing ban, we won't be testing again until the end of August.
"I can take heart from the knowledge we are prepared for the next few races. Rubens drove a great race and won on merit. It was a well-deserved victory."
Schumacher has won four times this season but will be hoping to score his first victory in four races at his home event in Hockenheim next month.
"I cannot wait to race at Hockenheim," he said.
"Driving the new track is great fun. In my opinion, the modifications introduced last year are a great success.
"The new lay-out is very flowing with a few tight sections which makes for overtaking opportunities. Racing here is a real challenge and I like it."