Schumacher has won two races so far this season

Michael Schumacher admits that he needs to win Sunday's British Grand Prix to get his title challenge back on track.

The Ferrari driver is 21 points - more than two clear wins - behind Renault's Fernando Alonso going into the race.

"There's no doubt about it; we need to close the gap and we're determined to start doing that at Silverstone," Schumacher said.

"The tests last week went off well for us so we have every reason to be optimistic for the weekend."

Schumacher's hopes of pegging back Alonso were hit in Monaco last time out when he was put to the back of the grid for deliberately preventing other drivers setting a faster time.

But he is bullish about his prospects for the British race.

I am feeling very confident ahead of this race - there is no reason to think we won't be fighting at the front Fernando Alonso

"There's no question about what our goal is: We're going to Silverstone to win," he said.

"I have to say that everything seems positive. I think that the results should come from this weekend on."

Schumacher finished fifth in Monaco despite being relegated to the back of the grid after stewards ruled he deliberately stopped his car near the end of qualifying to prevent Alonso from setting a faster time.

But the seven-time world champion, who denied any wrongdoing, says his team have got their act together after a slow start to the season.

"It all depends on how we develop our car. This, in my view, is the crucial point and Ferrari is superb at this development.

"We managed to develop the car well. The tyres are ready for Silverstone and, overall, we worked hard ahead of next weekend's race."

Alonso said he, too, was confident of continuing his strong form.

"I am feeling very confident ahead of this race," the Spaniard said. "We had a good test at Silverstone and we know that the characteristics of the circuit are good for the car, so there is no reason to think we won't be fighting at the front.

"Ferrari will be very strong, McLaren maybe as well if they can maintain their speed from Monaco. It will not be an easy weekend, but I certainly think we can be fighting for the win."