When Michael Schumacher's 2003 World Championship challenge got off to a slightly shaky start - i.e. not winning - sections of the media got highly excited, claiming that the German, and indeed Ferrari's reign, was at an end.

Then came a string of great results - four wins from five races - and following a mid-season lull, the partnership returned to form for the final few races, giving the German a record sixth title.

Hungary 2003 was a low point for Schumacher, the German finishing a lap down on race winner Fernando Alonso, yet two weeks later it was 'business as usual' at Monza.

As the teams prepare for the second stage of the 2004 championship, and a return to Hungary, once again the media is predicting that Ferrari and Schumacher faces a tough test, noting that in recent races the German has had to "fight harder" for his wins.

We are told that although there will be a few improvements to the engine, and plenty more tyre development, work on the F2004 chassis is "frozen" for the remainder of the season.

Let's not forget, that had Rubens Barrichello performed a little better in Germany, the Constructors' Championship would have been wrapped up, giving Ferrari its sixth successive crown.

Ferrari currently leads the Constructors' Championship by 99 points, while other than Barrichello (highly unlikely), only Jenson Button can beat Schumacher in the Drivers' Championship, and even then he would have to win at least five races, with the German failing to significantly add to his tally.

Therefore despite the sensational headlines, and even the possibility that a car other than a red one might win next weekend, it's highly unlikely that anyone at Maranello is losing significant amounts of sleep as to the outcome of this year's title fight and at least three of the remaining races.