SEPTEMBER 27, 2000

Schumacher warns fans he is not champion yet

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher has warned his fans that he has not won the World Championship yet and has said that he will not relax until he is crowned champion.

The German is bidding to become the first Ferrari driver to lift the title in 21 years - Jody Scheckter was the last to do so in 1979 - but despite opening up an eight-point lead over rival Mika Hakkinen with victory in America at the weekend, Schumacher is refusing to look to far ahead.

"Let's take it easy when we talk about everything being a done deal," Schumacher said. "As we say in Germany, it's too early to pack your bags.

"I never party ahead of time. I never do it because the championship points do not put us in the clear yet.

"It is true that we have a privileged position but you should never lose concentration. Nothing is ever certain in Formula One.

"With the Ferrari I have in my hands, I can win everywhere. I will try to do it in the next race in Japan and then finally we can start the party."

Meanwhile, bookmakers have made Schumacher the favorite to lift the title after his odds dropped to 7/5. Reigning champion Mika Hakkinen is now rated at 5/1 to hold onto his title.