German driver ready for all-out bid to grab 2006 title (ANSA) - Budapest, August 4 - Fighting against the odds to seize glory from the jaws of defeat, with no space for mistakes and no time to relax, Ferrari ace Michael Schumacher says he's exactly where he wants to be .

"I love being the one who has to fight his way up," said the 37-year-old German as he prepared for this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix .

The race, which he has won a record four times in the past, will help decide whether Schumacher really does have a chance to grab his eighth driver's title in what could be his last season as a Formula 1 driver .

The seven-times world champion is back in contention for the 2006 title, thanks to three straight wins and a poor performance last weekend by standings leader Fernando Alonso, Renault's Spanish star .



Speaking before the first day of practice at the Hungaroring, Schumacher left no one in any doubt that he intends to take a fresh bite out of Alonso's lead on Sunday. The gap, which a month ago was 25 points, now stands at 11 .

"It's important that we make the most of our strong position at the moment and try to cut the gap to zero, or even build up an advantage for when they (Renault) return to form," he said .

Schumacher's resurgence, after a disappointing start to the season, came after he and his team finally managing to make their package of car and tyres 'click' .

Thanks to the technical progress, he and team-mate Felipe Massa have dominated in the last three races, showing an edge over Renault that appeared impossible earlier this year .

"It's much more realistic for us to think about winning the championship now," Schumacher said. "We're not giving up, we're going to fight till the end" .

Italian sports pundits are sure the German has more than a fighting chance of overtaking the young Spaniard in the next six races. For one thing, teams are banned from testing new technology and set-ups until the end of the month .

This should see Ferrari's advantage remain untouched both in Hungary this weekend and at the Turkish Grand Prix three weeks later .

After that comes the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, just down the road from Ferrari's headquarters. The race has always tended to see Ferrari shine .

Alonso has admitted that the next three races could be difficult for him and his Renault teammate Giancarlo Fisichella. But he was also certain that after Monza, Ferrari's advantage would fade .

"I'm sure that after that we'll be neck-and-neck until the end." As for the Hungary race, Alonso was determined to do better than at Hockenheim last week, where problems with his car meant he only finished fifth, allowing Schumacher to cut his lead by six points .

It was his worst result of the season. Usually, even when he hasn't won, he has still made the podium and so picked up crucial points .

With this point-winning consistency in mind, he appeared confident that he would still be world champion at the end of the season .

"We have the ability and the time to recover," he said. "I don't think we'll see a repeat of Hockenheim."