Michael Schumacher has delivered an ominous warning to his rivals as he concedes he has not been driving to the limit this season.

Schumacher was pushed all the way to the final race of last year by Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya before winning his sixth world title.

The 35-year-old German was forced to the limits of his driving ability by the McLaren and BMW Williams stars due to the fact he was far from happy with the handling of his Ferrari.

But his triumph was undoubtedly the most deserved of the four successive championships he has won with Ferrari since 2000 as it was more man than machine that prevailed.

This year, though, is again predictable as Schumacher and car are proving too strong for their rivals, including team-mate Rubens Barrichello.

Schumacher has won seven of the eight grands prix to date, and there is every likelihood he will claim victory number nine in the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis on Sunday.

Most of his wins have come at a canter, although when asked if he felt invincible, he responded: "No, I don't feel that way."

There are many who would argue, particularly as Schumacher claims it is all too easy for him this season.

"Straight from starting winter testing I was on the pace and everything was going well and I felt well," said Schumacher.

Difficult

"Last year, for whatever reason, there was a problem with the car and I couldn't run. It was all a little bit more difficult.

"But sometimes you have those moments when it's more difficult. Now we are back to what it used to be, more normal and everything goes my way.

"We didn't anticipate winning as many races as we have. If we go back to January, we were very pessimistic for the season and thought it would be a tough one, so we are happy with the way it has gone.

"Last year we had to run on the limit more often, whereas this year we have had the opportunity to back off at certain times of a race which obviously means it is easier and you make fewer mistakes."

Technical director Ross Brawn believes a number of factors have contributed to making Schumacher a dominant force this season, not least of which is the enthusiasm he continues to display despite his unparalleled success.

"It's a combination of all elements," confirmed Brawn.

"We're fortunate that all those elements have come together at one time. It's a very good car, we have built up very good partners with Bridgestone, Shell, and other companies that are part of the Ferrari package and it's just all clicking at the moment.

"On top of that, we've the best driver; certainly the most successful driver in the history of Formula One and the best driver I've ever known in Formula One.

"Michael also has huge enthusiasm this year, as enthusiastic as I've ever seen him, which is uncanny for the time he's been in Formula One and the long period of success he's had."

And Brawn has revealed Schumacher is not adverse to the odd tantrum when things do not go his way, which is another sign of his desire to succeed.

"I was really pleased to see how frustrated he was after Monaco," added Brawn on the incident which saw Schumacher crash out following a collision with Montoya.

"It's well documented he threw his helmet around the garage. I don't mind that. To see him frustrated after a race is always a good sign. After what he's been able to achieve it shows how hungry and how motivated he is."

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