THERE might be a host of emerging drivers waiting to steal his crown, but the person most likely to rob Michael Schumacher of the Formula One world title is Michael Schumacher himself.

The German created grand prix history last year by becoming the first driver to win six world championships.

He will once again start as favourite when the new season gets the green light in Australia tomorrow but, for once, how badly he wants another title could decide how things turn out over the next seven months.

Since first bursting onto the scene in 1991, Schumacher has always been as driven as the car he has been sitting in.

Focused to the point of obsession, the 35-year-old has devoted himself to developing the ultimate driving machine in conjunction with his team of Ferrari mechanics that are widely revered as the best in the world.

But, suddenly, Schumacher has achieved everything there is to achieve in the racing game.

He has made all the right noises about being as motivated as ever but, tellingly, his winter break was longer than normal and Ferrari's pre-season testing did not have the same intensity or rigour as before previous campaigns.

There is persistent speculation that the German could call it a day at the end of this season and, after such a wonderful career, it would be sad to see him bow out on a losing note.

But that is possible if he is not driving at 100 per cent as, after years of playing second fiddle to Ferrari's dominance, both Williams and McLaren finally seem to have developed cars capable of matching the 'Scuderia'.

That isn't to say that Schumacher doesn't still have a lot going in his favour though.

He remains head and shoulders above any other driver in the world on his day and, in wet conditions, his handling superiority really comes into its own.

The 2004 Ferrari is a development of last year's model but, with yet another new engine ruling coming into effect, the Italian manufacturer's famed reliability could prove more crucial than ever.

A question mark remains over tyre choice -- Ferrari's Bridgestones struggled to match the Michelins used by Williams, McLaren and Renault last year - but Schumacher and teammate Rubens Barichello should enjoy a car able to operate at peak capacity from the very first lap this weekend.

The reigning champion didn't have things all his own way last season and, after needing a point in the last race to win a three-way tussle for the crown, his closest challenges are again likely to come from Finn Kimi Raikkonen and flamboyant Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya.

Raikkonen will spearhead the challenge of a McLaren team making bullish noises about their new MP4-19.

Ron Dennis' team had high hopes for the ultra lightweight MP4-18 last year but, while it proved faster than anything else on the grid, a complete lack of reliability meant it never got the chance to prove itself in race conditions.

The new model is said to be equally as quick, but that will be no use at all if Raikonnen or teammate David Coulthard are unable to coax it to the chequered flag.

This could be something of a make or break year for Coulthard as, after a succession of near misses, the Scotsman was as far away from the driver's title as ever last season.

He has already been told that Montoya will replace him at McLaren in 2005 so the 32-year-old is effectively driving for his Grand Prix life.

Montoya is in his last season at Williams and his impulsiveness in committing his long-term future elsewhere could count against him this year.

He has the talent to beat Schumacher - seasoned Grand Prix observers describe him as the most naturally gifted driver since Ayrton Senna - but Williams mechanics would surely rather throw their weight behind Michael's brother Ralf than someone upping sticks in a matter of months.

With Eddie Irvine's retirement and Justin Wilson's inability to secure a drive, the only other British interest this season comes in the shape of BAR's Jenson Button.

The 24-year-old finally finds himself in a car able to hold its own near to the front of the grid and, after tumbling down the pecking order since his dream debut driving for Williams in 2000, it is time for Button to turn his potential into points.