Schumacher: Montreal win was crucial.

Ferrari number one Michael Schumacher reckons it is only 'right' he is now leading the drivers' championship following the Canadian Grand Prix at the weekend.

"It was a really important race for us, and the win was crucial," said the German, "Now we head both championships and in my opinion this is only right. I have won four races and Kimi [Raikkonen] only one.

"It seems quite odd that with these results only three points divide us. But this is the natural consequence of the new regulations that were introduced for precisely this reason. In any case, we are ahead and this really pleases me."

He added: "Winning in these conditions is all the more satisfying because the race for the title becomes all the more predictable but at the same time, tighter. From what we have seen so far, the different surfaces have tended to favour one or other type of tyre. Saying this, it is hard to predict which circuits are suited to Bridgstone and which to Michelin, so every race becomes vital."

Brake problems also dogged the five times world champion during the Montreal event. "I was in constant touch with the mechanics to ask how much I could push it and how sharply I could brake," explained Michael, "I had to be very carfeful otherwise I wouldn't have made it to the chequered flag.

"Now we have to go on working as we have done. Our guys have been great in putting together a superb engine. Unlike Monaco, here we didn't have any tyre trouble. As I have said, it will be hard, but now we in a good position to push for the title."