Schumacher looks to tyres to boost chances.

Four-time world champion Michael Schumacher says improvements in his Bridgestone tyres will offer him the best chance to take his third consecutive Formula One title.

After driving on the early prototypes of the 2002 tyres in testing this week, the Ferrari driver identified "significant improvements" thanks to the work done by Bridgestone's designers and engineers during the winter months.

Schumacher, who rounded off last season with a win at Suzuka, made his return to the track earlier than expected when he began testing at Fiorano in Italy on 14 January, although he later claimed this was because of "boredom".

He was back in the car last weekend at Valencia too and, despite it being his first time at the Spanish circuit, led the times on both Saturday and Sunday. Ferrari, together with BAR, carried out tyre testing for Bridgestone during the weekend, after Jordan (also at Valencia) and Sauber (at Fiorano) started the process last week. Bridgestone's tyre testing programme focused on compounds, both front and rear, construction and other undisclosed issues.

"During last season, we identified some areas where we could make improvements, so we have been trying out different ideas to overcome some minor shortcomings," explained Hisao Suganuma, Bridgestone's technical manager, "In addition, we worked on finding the best compounds and constructions to assist in balancing the cars.

"I am happy with what we achieved. Of course, there is a lot more work to be done, but the results - especially the times recorded by Ferrari in Valencia at the weekend - were very encouraging, and are useful indicators for the direction of our future development."

Testing has continued this week with Sauber at Barcelona, Jordan running its new car at Silverstone following a shakedown on Monday, and Ferrari at both Mugello and Fiorano.