Q&A: Ralf Schumacher.

For WilliamsF1 driver, this weekend's grand prix could legitimately be classified as the first of three 'home' races in 2003, as it takes place in his adopted place of residence.

It will be the last time that Schumacher, or any of his rivals, races a Formula One car there for the foreseeable future, however, and the German gave his views on this and several other topics in a quick pre-race interview.

Q:
In what way is the Grand Prix on the A1-Ring special to you, having adopted Austria as your home?

Ralf Schumacher:
Well, since Heinz Pr?ller of Austrian television already refers to me as 'our Ralf', it has to mean something special, doesn't it? But, joking aside, as I live here and have many, many friends in Austria, this race is naturally something of a home event for me. At any rate, it's the grand prix with the shortest journey time for me - I can get there in two hours by car.

Q:
What is the essentially character of the A1-Ring?

RS:
"Well, to be honest, technically speaking there are more demanding circuits than the A1-Ring. But, overall, it does pose its challenges -- both for the car and for the team. This circuit should not be underestimated! But what I like so much about Spielberg is the atmosphere of the race -- the mountains, the meadows, the cows next to the track. Where else do you get that?

Q:
To what extent do you regret the Austrian Grand Prix being dropped from the Formula One calendar?

RS:
"I'm a little sad that the race is being cut. If it were up to me, I'd like to continue racing in Austria, but unfortunately that's not for the drivers to decide. It seems that there are economic reasons behind it, and there's nothing we can do about that.

Q:
How do you feel about your performance so far in 2003?

The short answer would be that we've got off lightly. Naturally, we were all hoping to do better, but I'm delighted with the way the team has put the bad start to the season behind it, and is powering ahead to get the car where it should be -- right at the front where the battles for victory are fought out.

Q:
How does the season's objective look after five races?

RS:
That hasn't actually changed. We've just got five races less in which to achieve it. As before, we're aiming right for the top. We want to win races.

Q:
There is speculation about a possible team change on your part. How do you envisage your own future?

RS:
If you pursued every rumour in Formula One, you'd hardly have time for anything else. The fact is that I've got a contract with the BMW WilliamsF1 team until the end of 2004, and that the team will naturally be my number one negotiating partner for the following period. But beyond that, I don't give much more thought to the matter. It's normal to reflect on the future from time to time, but my priority at the moment is the ongoing development of the FW25 so that we can get back into a position to win.