Schumacher admits his desire for a true contest

The public yearn for it, the sport palpably needs it and now Michael Schumacher admits he wants it; a genuine race in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix here.

Ferrari's domination of this season has been such that the German had the championship secured in record time and he and his team are pledged to assuring Rubens Barrichello the runner-up position.

The Brazilian held his advantage from pole in Hungary 12 days ago and Schumacher duly tucked in behind his team-mate, breaking the comfortable pace only to amuse himself by registering the fastest lap. It was, in the words of the German's former partner, Eddie Irvine, "taking the mickey''.

Schumacher argues that he owed Barrichello for previous services rendered and that overtaking at the Hungaroring is well nigh impossible. However, he recognised that the call for racing is justified and that this fast, sweeping circuit affords passing opportunities. What is more, he is seeking a record 10th win of the season, at the scene of his Formula One debut, 11 years ago.

Unwilling to pre-empt team strategy and perhaps upset the Ferrari team principal, Jean Todt, who maintains it makes no sense for them to race and risk taking off one another, Schumacher was guarded on the issue, but his message clear: "It depends on the circumstances but yes, I hope we can race.''

Irvine, who almost won the championship with Ferrari three years ago, when Schumacher broke his leg, has watched from an ever greater distance this year as the red cars have turned Formula One into a procession and the team manipulate results to suit their purposes.

The Ulsterman said: "Not letting their two guys race, going around at two seconds off their pace, is just not right. Who cares who's second in the championship? It's overkill, as it was in Austria when they made Barrichello let Michael through.

"People are voting with the ticket sales and their TV buttons. Viewing figures will go down and down and down. It's not Ferrari's fault that they have the best car, but it is their fault that they are OTT. They shouldn't be taking the mickey.''

Irvine's future in Formula One is still uncertain, even though he contends that he expects to be racing next season. It is widely anticipated that he will be replaced at Jaguar by Australia's Mark Webber, currently with Minardi. Irvine has been linked with his first Formula One team, Jordan, who are to switch from Honda to Ford engines in 2003.

Another British driver looking for a job is Allan McNish. The Scotsman is to be released by Toyota after his maiden season. Mika Salo, also dropped by the team, is to retire. Olivier Panis moves from BAR-Honda to take one of the seats.

Irvine, naturally, has his views on Toyota's announcement. "You have to admire their commitment. They're obviously serious about Formula One. They're not doing it on the cheap. I thought they might keep one of them for continuity. It's understandable if they were getting Schumacher but Panis?

"For sure Allan will be better next year, when the circuits are familiar to him, but you've got to come into Formula One and make a bang, as Schuey did.''

McNish and Salo are members of the 30-something brigade, but Irvine, at 36 the oldest of all the drivers, suggests the youngsters have had their day. "A team that needs points needs experience," he said. "Occasionally someone good like Kimi Raikkonen comes along but most of the young guys are just average. The risk factor with them is too great. The attraction of young drivers is wearing off. They make too many mistakes.''

The Arrows team, who missed the Hungarian Grand Prix, say they will reveal their new owner today. Craig Pollock, the former BAR-Honda team principal, is adamant that he is not involved.