Newz Forum: AUTO: F1 and racing news 27/03/04

Michael Schumacher says he is enjoying driving more than ever without the pressure of chasing records.The German said racing has become easier since he won an historic sixth Formula One title last year. "I'm just having fun," Schumacher told Munich's TZ paper, after winning the first two Grands Prix this year.

"It's just a great feeling at the moment, getting into the car and I get really excited about going out and driving a fast lap." But pouring scorn on fears that Ferrari's dominance will turn spectators away from the sport, Schumacher insisted the world championship is far from decided.

Williams handed a first taste of Formula One action to Indycar champion Scott Dixon in France on Friday.The New Zealander tested the FW26 as Williams look at possible replacements for Juan Pablo Montoya, who joins McLaren in 2005.

Jaguar's chief engineer Malcolm Oastler has announced that he leaving the team just 14 months after taking up the job. The Australian, a former chief designer and technical director with the BAR team, says he wants to spend more time with his family.Oastler joined Jaguar as a consultant in 2002, becoming their chief engineer in January 2003, and was responsible for the design of this year's R5 car.

Alex Zanardi makes his full-time return to motor racing this weekend.The Italian, former Formula One star for Lotus and Williams, lost both his legs and nearly his life in an horror Champ Car shunt at the Lausitzring in 2001.He is to steer a BMW in the ETCC-opener at Monza this weekend.