Can Schumacher turn the tables on Alonso in Canada?

Michael Schumacher is optimistic he can claw back some ground on rival Fernando Alonso in the championship battle at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver is 23 points behind his Renault rival heading to Montreal, where Schumacher has won seven times.

"The circuit is totally different from the recent ones and we will be using completely different aerodynamics packages," Schumacher said.

"I see no reason whatsoever why we shouldn't do well in Canada."

Schumacher said he did not want to "make any predictions" about whether he could beat Alonso, who has won the last three races.

But he added: "We have every reason to be optimistic. Our car has lived up to our expectations so far and we have improved it continuously.

"Nobody knows exactly what to expect [in Canada], because no team has tested here and has insights to go by.

"So everything is completely different now except our fighting spirit, which has been refreshed perfectly."