ITALIAN GP RESULT 1 JP Montoya (McLaren) 2 F Alonso (Renault) 3 G Fisichella (Renault) 4 K Raikkonen (McLaren) 5 J Trulli (Toyota) 6 R Schumacher (Toyota) 7 A Pizzonia (Williams) 8 J Button (BAR) Race report Race as it happened Photos from Monza

"There is no point getting angry," said the German, who trails Fernando Alonso by 48 points with only 40 up for grabs.

The Ferrari star added: "We were much too slow and nowhere near where we want to be, but we have to live with it.

"The championship was obviously lost a while ago, but we have had a lot of good years before this one."

Schumacher has won the last five titles for Ferrari, but F1 will soon hail a new champion, with Renault driver Alonso extending his lead over title rival Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren to 27 points at Monza.

Schumacher was typically resolute and diplomatic after another dismal Grand Prix for Ferrari, with team-mate Rubens Barrichello trailing home two places behind him in 12th.

There is no need to give up because this is all part of competition Michael Schumacher

"You could say we were a bit better than in Turkey, but that is still not good enough," he added.

"We must simply try and improve, maybe in time for Spa, although that is unlikely, but possibly before the end of the season.

"There is no need to give up because this is all part of competition, but I feel sorry for the tifosi (fans) and thank them for their support, even though we were unable to deliver them a good result."

Ferrari team boss Jean Todt was less optimistic, describing the team's home race as "another painful day in what has been a difficult season for us".

Our main problem, as everyone knows, is a lack of grip Ferrari boss Jean Todt

He added: "We fought really hard to try and finish in the points but we did not manage it, and that was another big disappointment with both cars making it to the finish.

"Despite the fact we are going through very difficult times, the team and drivers have again worked very hard.

"We have shown we are really determined to get the most out of the package we have at our disposal.

"But our main problem, as everyone knows, is a lack of grip and all we can do is work with (tyre suppliers) Bridgestone to fix it."

Ferrari face the ignominy of losing third place in the constructors' championship - which they have won for the last six years - to Toyota if they do not improve their form.

"We are making ground on Ferrari," said Toyota team principal Tsutomu Tomita, whose drivers Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher finished fifth and sixth in Italy.

"Now we are only eight points behind with four races left. We are closing on them and we will push hard to catch them and make it into the top three."