Ferrari engineers have been working flat out to try and bridge the four-point gap on Mclaren's Mika Hakkinen in the final race of the season in Suzuka on November 1. And the German driver claims the efforts have already paid off.

Schumacher, who has been testing at Fiorano this week, said: ``I have been pleasantly surprised, even amazed, at the improvements we have made in these tests, and I am optimistic about our chances of success. I sense that something is going to happen that will make us win the title,'' he said. ``I cannot explain where this premonition comes from, but I can assure you that it's there.''

Though Schumacher will do everything to win, Hakkinen would still become Champion under Formula One rules even if he finishes second behind Schumacher and both men end the season level on 96 points.

Much will depend on the efforts of their number two drivers, Scot David Coulthard andUlsterman Eddie Irvine.

``All I can do is have faith in myself and, as always, try to win the race. And I think I can do it. Obviously, though, I also hope that there is someone between me and Hakkinen.''

``I do not know who that could be, but obviously it would not be Coulthard. I'm sure that Eddie will do everything he can to stay behind me, I'm counting on him a lot because he's been very quick at Mugello this week."