Schumacher

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Michael Schumacher is so happy with his 2001 Ferrari that he doesn't think he needs a new car to win the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Schumacher, the winner at Albert Park in 2000 and 2001 and world Formula One champion in both those years, won last year with a record total of 123 points.

After a few glitches in testing the latest Ferrari package, the Maranello team decided to start in Melbourne with last season's car, which didn't bother the German driver at all.

"It wasn't the plan to start the season with the old car, but the situation looks very positive," Schumacher said. "The old car still represents a fairly good chance of winning the race -- the aim is clear, we want to win another championship."

Schumacher tested the package in Italy earlier this month, but team chief Jean Todt decided against using a relatively unproven vehicle at Albert Park.

Time and the elements worked against a thorough testing program, said Schumacher.

"We haven't had enough experience, we haven't done a long run with it because there were a lot of weather issues and a few mechanical issues, which stopped us from running," he said. "That is the situation we are faced with, and we just have to get the best out of it."

Schumacher, who has won more Grand Prix races (53) than any F1 driver and held pole position in 11 events last year, expects McLaren and Williams to be stronger in Melbourne this weekend than in the last two seasons.

"That is going to be the battle. There is a little bit more challenge, but that can make it exciting," he said.

Schumacher has four world championships -- two with Benetton in 1994-95 and the last two with Ferrari -- and is hoping this year to match Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five world drivers' titles.

David Coulthard, second in the drivers' championship last year and now the No. 1 driver at McLaren following the departure of two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen, wants to add to his 11 GP victories this season and challenge the Ferrari dominance.

"I feel I've got a good year ahead," Coulthard said. "The new car has more overall downforce, which means it's quicker in fast corners, and I hope that will be a big strength in getting the car more competitive."

Coulthard said he was surprised that Ferrari is staying with the old car.

"(Ferrari) has obviously taken the view that it either doesn't represent a step forward or doesn't give them the reliability they need," he said. "It could make them look very good if they still do well with the old car, but equally it could be their downfall."