Wednesday October 27th, 1999

Q: Eddie, how are you handling the pressure towards Suzuka?

"I don't feel lot of pressure at the moment, maybe I will on Sunday at 2 pm. But, on the other hand, can you imagine, the whole of Italy will be sitting on Sunday praying that we get the Championship?"

Q: Do you think you can score pole position - the only achievement you're still lacking?

"It would be nice to get the pole position, but it does not get me the Championship, it's not really important, what counts is the Championship. Hakkinen has 13 pole positions and I have 4 points ahead, but I think he would prefer to have 4 points ahead and no pole positions."

Q: What will be your team's strategy in the race?

"It is difficult to overtake in Suzuka but with strategy it might be possible. Last year McLaren was faster than us, but this year I do not think it is the case, our car is much more competitive. Other than that, I have Michael Schumacher alongside me - that's a strategy in itself! Michael did a fantastic job in Malaysia, absolutely incredible, and I think you will see some of that coming from him again.

"However, in Japan all I aim for is to win the Championship. To win the race is not important, what is important is to win the Championship. It would be fantastic to win the race as well but there is too much at stake to worry about winning the race. We must focus on winning the Championship, that is the number one priority, then the Constructors Championship, then the race."