Friday June 2nd, 2000

By Timothy Collings

Michael Schumacher shunned the warm Mediterranean sunshine bathing Monaco on Friday to return to Italy for a Ferrari test session.

The team decided to make use of the traditional rest day ahead of Sunday's grand prix with a shakedown session on a reserve car.

Schumacher completed 42 laps in the car at Ferrari's Fiorano test track to ensure that the team are totally prepared for a race that could lift the German even further ahead of closest rival Mika Hakkinen in the world championship.

With the session completed, the car will be transported to Monaco and parked ready for Schumacher's team mate Rubens Barrichello to use as a spare if necessary. Schumacher has one on stand-by already.

Hakkinen, fastest in Thursday's free practice, was not to be seen on Friday. Like the vast majority of the Formula One circus, he took the day off.

"I don't mind working at all because it is my job to do all I can to have the fastest car and to win races," said Schumacher, back in the principality by mid-afternoon.

After his excellent start to the season, when he reeled off three successive victories, Schumacher let two races slip to the McLaren duo of Hakkinen and David Coulthard before winning the recent European Grand Prix at the Nuerburgring.

He now has 46 points in the title race to Hakkinen's 28 while Ferrari lead the constructors' title race with 62 points ahead of McLaren on 52.

"There is a long way to go," said McLaren chief Ron Dennis. "So, don't by any means think this race is going to be decisive."

But Hakkinen knows he has to score points and remain competitive to keep his chances alive after winning only twice in 11 outings since he drove from pole position to first place in the Hungarian Grand Prix last August.

Prior to that Hakkinen had not won in four races, a sequence of just three triumphs in 16 attempts.