Ralf Schumacher has claimed he is one top of the top three drivers in Formula 1 alongside Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.
The 31-year-old German starts his 11th F1 season in Melbourne next week and has six grand prix wins to his name.
However despite not having won a race since the 2003 French Grand Prix, the Toyota driver is convinced that he should be put in the same bracket as the sport’s recognised top two.
“You always depend on your car as a driver,” he told Germany’s Bild newspaper.
“In a Minardi for example, my brother would not have won a world title.
“I definitely count myself among the strongest three drivers.
“Clearly Alonso and Raikkonen are fast – but I must hide behind nobody.
“If I was not convinced, I would not be in Formula 1 any more.”
Schumacher’s chances of returning to the winner's circle in the early part of 2007 look slim, since Toyota has struggled for pace alongside its rivals in pre-season group testing.
But the German, in his third year with the Cologne-based squad, remains confident that the Japanese car giant is still on course to achieve its F1 ambitions – with a first win still not out of the question for this season.
“We must work to improve,” he said.
“I know that we are on the right path – the investment will bear fruit some time.
“I hope still in 2007.
“I intend to win the first race for Toyota.
“Toyota is and remains the team of the future," he added.
"This company, all the workers have only one goal – to lead Toyota to the top.
“The Formula 1 title is only a question of time."ITV.com/f1
A personal note: :lol::lol::lol: Whats he smokin
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