Murray Walker on 2001.

ITV Commentator Murray Walker has said that he believes Michael Schumacher will take his fourth title in 2001.

He told ITV Sport: "I really do think (and hope) that this year it could be a three-way fight between Coulthard, Hakkinen and Schumacher for the Drivers' title. In my hearts of hearts (though) I feel Michael will take his fourth title."

He added: "Here's something else I'm sure of. Ferrari and McLaren won't win all the races like they did last year. For two reasons. One: at least four of their rivals seem likely to be much closer to them than they were last year, any one of which could, with a modicum of luck, win a race or two, and two: the return of Michelin which is going to throw a major spanner in the tyre equation which is so important."

"The right tyre can make much more difference than horsepower and Michelin are a class act. They know how to win, have done so in virtually every category of motor sport and will do so again in Formula 1. It is not a question of whether but when."

The voice of F1 concluded that the dark horse this year would be the Prost team. He said: "After four seasons from hell since he bought the also-ran Ligier team Superstar Alain looks as though he has at last got it all together. Superb premises and facilities, a big budget, new, very strong people, Ferrari engine, gearbox and rear suspension, the evergreen Jean Alesi (one of my favourite Formula 1 people and still very capable of winning) and Michelin tyres. That adds up to a very impressive outfit."