Fernando Alonso expects a Ferrari backlash in this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix, and is prepared to accept second best at Imola.
The world champion beat Michael Schumacher by a whisker in San Marino last year, the only time Ferrari threatened Renault all season.
That dogged win is fresh in Alonso's mind and he again expects Ferrari to find their form on home ground at Imola, a track which suits their Bridgestone tyres.
Alonso is even preparing himself for defeat at the hands of Schumacher – and plotting his revenge at the next race in Germany.
"I think all the weekends are important but here for Ferrari is a good opportunity," he said. "If they can win one race this season it will be this one.
"I prefer to finish second or third here and win at the Nurburgring again."
Seven-time world champion Schumacher is confident he can return to the front after crashing in Australia three weeks ago.
But the German does not accept this weekend's race is make or break for his world championship ambitions.
"Every race from now is important for us," he said. "From now on it's important we make up ground after the problems we suffered from in fist few races.
"This result will not break us. I don't see it as a championship-deciding race, it's not crucial. We believe in our abilities and we hope to prove them."
Schumacher has off-track issues to contend with as well, with his future again a hot topic of discussion.
As well as talk of a new Ferrari contract, recent rumours have linked him with unlikely switches to Renault or Red Bull.
Alonso's departure for McLaren at the end of the season has opened a vacancy at the world champions but the Spaniard is convinced Schumacher will not be filling it.
Penny-pinching Renault are unlikely to stretch to Schumacher's hefty salary, especially for a driver in the twilight of his career and Alonso joked: "He will not come here for the money."
He added: "For me it's strange news. I laughed at that one because for me it's impossible. Knowing the team and the bosses of the team, it's impossible that Michael comes here."
Schumacher continues to remain tight-lipped about his future, refusing to comment until he finally announces whether he will retire at the end of the season.
