Michael Schumacher is Ready for the French Grand Prix of Formula One at Magny Cours

Ferrari and Michael Schumacher is not giving up on the Formula One world championship just yet.

Although Michael Schumacher has warned his fans not to expect Ferrari to repeat their 2006 United States Grand Prix 1-2 at Indianapolis on this weekend's 2006 French GP, the German is hoping to take a few points off Fernando Alonso come Sunday afternoon.

Schumacher currently trails Championship leader Alonso by 19 points in the F1 drivers' championship standings and with only eight races remaining, winning is becoming ever-more important for both Schumacher and Ferrari, a fact that he acknowledges.

''From now on, we will fight in the real sense of the word and each race will be an opportunity for us to come back,'' he said.

''Nineteen points can be bridged and I am convinced of this. We want to win and will battle to the end. There is no reason to give up.''

However, having said that, Schumacher also warned his fans not to expect a repeat of Ferrari's United States Grand Prix domination when the Formula One circus stops in France this weekend for the 2006 French Grand Prix.

''Indianapolis was an extremely exciting race but the result should not be overplayed,'' the former F1 World Champion cautioned.

''The gap was too big and the standings did not accurately reflect the true balance of power.''

He adds, ''I think that the race in France could be another classic. We have often seen how details can affect the outcome of a race and this could be true of Magny Cours. We will not know much until everyone takes to the track.''

Can Michael Schumacher lead Ferrari back to the F1 World Championship? Bodog has the odds. Bet on Bodog today.

Here are some odds on who will win the 2006 French Grand Prix at Magny Cours:

Fernando Alonso 5/7

Michael Schumacher 8/5

Kimi Raikkonen 7/1

Juan Pablo Montoya 16/1