Schumacher and F1 speed on to Malaysia

MOTOR SPORT: Michael Schumacher has insisted that the war in Iraq will not, in the short term, affect Formula One's global circus.

Speaking as teams began preparatory work for this weekend's Grand Prix in the moderate Islamic nation of Malaysia, Schumacher said that it would be impossible for one man to make a decision on safety in Formula One and that the show, which visits 15 countries on four continents, would go on.

"I think it is a matter of mentality because I guess, in particular, Americans are very, very concerned," he said. "I noticed one event where Tiger Woods was supposed to do a golf tournament in Dubai and he cancelled that, but in those circumstances it is a single person's decision and it is easy for him to do so.

"Here though, we have quite a big structure and it is not a single man's decision except for maybe Mr Mosley, whether it is safe or not safe. I guess they have looked into that and made a decision that it is safe (to carry on)."

Formula One does have a date in the US in Indianapolis in September and two years ago, Schumacher had expressed concern about racing in America just weeks after the September 11th attacks in New York. This time round, Schumacher confirmed he would continue as normal.

"Sometimes you raise a question - like we did in 2001 after the (terrorist) attack - about whether it is safe to go on," he admitted. "It is very difficult for us sometimes. But we keep on doing our job just as everyone else does."

The job this weekend is to get Ferrari back onto the Formula One podium following a season opener in Australia in which the Scuderia, with Schumacher fourth and team-mate Rubens Barrichello making an early exit through a crash, failed to make the podium for the first time in over four years.

Schumacher said he was not dismayed by the Melbourne result and expected the constructors' championship-winning team to be back in contention for major race honours on Sunday.

"The race in Australia had its own laws," he insisted. "There is no reason why I should change my current impressions - that under normal circumstances, we are competitive and have a nice shot at winning. Of course we were disappointed not to have won or to have finished on the podium, but you have to stick with the positive points."

The world champion also denied speculation that the team's new car the F2003-GA will be introduced sooner than aniticipated in a bid to counter the threat of an apparently rejuvenated McLaren.

"There is no official statement from Ferrari as to when and how we will use the new car," he said. "There has been speculation we will start using it at the first European race, but we will only use it when we are ready. It certainly has more potential (than F2002) and that will be needed.

"The season is still so young," he added. "In sport you never know what can happen. But we have a very strong car and will be fighting for the championship, but it will be more difficult this year."

Meanwhile, Jordan's sponsorship woes have been alleviated slightly with the announcement that from this weekend the team's EJ13 car will race bearing the logos of China's national television network and of the state's planned F1 circuit in Shanghai.

Formula One will travel to Shanghai for the first time in 2004 for the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix and Eddie Jordan yesterday admitted he was pleased to be getting involved commercially with the event and its possibilities.

"I am thrilled that Jordan Ford has been chosen by Shanghai International Circuit and CCTV as their partner for commencing Chinese involvement in Formula One," said the Irishman. "The deal will ensure the popularity of both Formula One and Jordan Ford in a vitally important region. We are looking forward to working together on preparations for next year's inaugural Chinese Grand Prix and I'm sure Jordan Ford will be a big success with the Chinese people."

The deal will give Jordan and engine partner Ford preferential television coverage in China as the network will cover all rounds of this year's championship and will also give the team and its partners access to the network's 100 million households, a move which pleased Ford executives.

"Formula One is a great way to showcase Ford around the world," said Ford Europe COO Martin Leach.