In April, his very future at Williams seemed in doubt as rumours flew about the team considering replacing him in 2004 - a year before the end of his contract.

Fast forward three months, and the taciturn German was briefly installed as many people's favourite to end the season as world champion, after two convincing wins on the trot.

In that short time, Schumacher also turned the tables on Juan Pablo Montoya as the Williams driver most likely to lead the team's challenge.

PERSONAL DATA Born: 30/6/75 Nationality: German Team: Williams First GP: Australia 1997 Wins: 5 2003 position: 5th Previous teams: Jordan

Yet just two non-finishes later and Ralf's hopes for this year were all but over.

Schumacher has always suffered in the shadow of the outgoing and charismatic Montoya, but in terms of driving skill that is somewhat unfair on the German, for the two men are evenly matched.

Montoya is recognised as one of the out-and-out fastest men in Formula One, yet Schumacher outqualified the Colombian more times than not this year.

Ralf laid some of his ghosts to rest last year. In particular, he was strong over the entire season - when in the past he has tended to tail off in the second part of the year.

He is also confirmed his status as a bright, technically minded and a consistent race driver.

But what he is not is a racer in the Montoya mould - and that is where any title challenge he makes in the future could founder in the final analysis.

Where Montoya is all inspiration and derring-do when chasing a rival, Ralf can sometimes seem mesmerised by the gearbox of the car in front.

Nevertheless, as a whole package, Ralf is capable of putting together a season that is consistent over its entire length and in the right car that would win him a championship.