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Last Updated: Sunday, 28 September, 2003, 21:38 GMT 22:38 UK
Schumacher hails 'beautiful' day
Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen on the podium after the US Grand Prix
Schumacher needs just one point to end Raikkonen's slim chances
Michael Schumacher has hailed his victory in the US Grand Prix as one of the greatest of his career.

Sunday's win at Indianapolis has left the Ferrari driver needing just one point to secure an all-time record sixth world championship.

"It's one of my best days in my life. It's such an important moment, such an unusual race, so many possibilities to happen," Schumacher said.

"When you have a result like this at a crucial moment it's beautiful."

Only McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen can beat Schumacher to the title.

Raikkonen finished second to Schumacher at Indianapolis and is now nine points behind.

Michael Schumacher celebrates victory at Indianapolis
The pressure is on. You handle it but it's still there
Michael Schumacher
The Finn's only chance to beat the German is to win the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix on 12 October with Schumacher finishing ninth or worse.

"Obviously it's a very good position for us to start the last race. We just need one point basically," Schumacher said.

"You have first to finish to be first. That will be the main target. We have a reliable car. My target will be to win another race.

"The pressure is on. You handle it but it's still there. There was everything in it. To win this one in a crucial stage of the championship meant a lot."

Schumacher refuelled on lap 20, went back into the pits for Bridgestone rain tyres two laps later once the downpour began, and recovered to win.

The win was aided by a performance advantage provided by Bridgestone in wet weather.

The Michelins used by rivals McLaren and Williams have tended to have an advantage in dry weather this season.

"Bridgestone has had a lot of criticism this year. I would say they will be boosted by the performance," Schumacher said.

"We've had this joker so much in our hand and we've never been able to use it until today."

In the light drizzle that fell early in the race, however, the Michelins had an advantage.

"We had difficulties in those conditions. It was easier for our competitors to pass. But when more rain came we were able to recover.

"I thought it would have been tough to catch Kimi under normal circumstances."




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