Blundell: If Schumacher was in a Minardi...

Crash.net columnist Mark Blundell has predicted that, while 2005 is likely to again be a Ferrari year, in his view the battle will be a lot closer, as McLaren-Mercedes, Williams-BMW and BAR-Honda up their game in search of glory.

MB added, however, that even if multiple world champion Michael Schumacher was in a Minardi this season, he would still shine.

"If you stuck Michael in a Minardi, I am sure he would go and extract another three or four tenths a lap out of it," Blundell said, "That's how good he is as a driver and at getting the car set-up.

"Immediately, he would try and change people to get the goods he needs around him to make sure he gets his environment right. That's what we are talking about. If you stuck him in another car, like a Williams or something at that level, the margin would start to get reduced.

"At the end of the day, we have to take on board the fact that he is the best driver at the moment. There's no-one to touch him in terms of all-round competitiveness, determination, concentration and commitment. Nobody does any better than him. You are going to have to get up really early in the morning to beat Michael Schumacher.

"You can't knock him, though - he is a remarkable guy as well. We've just seen him make a ?5million donation to the tsunami appeal. That shows the guy has got heart and is very concerned about what's going on on the worldwide platform.

"Motor racing is just one thing in his life. He is a very private guy, you can see that, and he is very much family-orientated. I think that serves its purpose for him. He leaves the season, goes away, enjoys it with his family, gets fit again, comes back refreshed - and then kicks everybody else's backside!"

So is that going to be the tale again in 2005? Another season of Schumi and Ferrari kickin' butt?

"Michael is going to be around for a little bit longer, and Ferrari is going to be around a little bit longer with the performance they've got, as well," Blundell continued, "So expect the same as last year - and the year before, and the year before, and the year before. It's still going to be the same results.

"However, I do feel that this year should show some improvement by the other teams. McLaren, Williams and BAR all picked up at the end of last season. BAR were strong all last year anyway, but I think Williams especially and McLaren, for sure, are working hard to put something on the map for 2005 and 2006.

"Nobody can say anything about Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, it's no different to watching Manchester United a couple of seasons ago. It's a new level and those other guys behind need to get to that next level. Until they do, we won't see anybody beat Ferrari.

"It can be done, though - it all comes in cycles."