But ahead of Sunday‘s Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, which will stage Schumacher’s Formula One swansong, Barrichello believes Schumacher requires a miracle.

Ten points adrift of reigning world champion Fernando Alonso, the 37-year-old German needs a victory and the Spaniard not to finish in the points if he is to secure an eighth championship.

That is highly unlikely as far as Barrichello is concerned, even though the 24-year-old admits surprise the title race has gone down to the wire.

“I thought when the championship started it looked like Renault would win very easily because the way things were going, they were doing very well,” said Barrichello.

“There were some occasions when Ferrari went up and down, but they were there scoring points, yet for me there was no way they could get up to Fernando.

“But all of a sudden they did. They were scoring more points and Michael was winning races. In Japan, you would have said there was nothing to hold him back and he would come here with the best chance, but then look what happened there.

“Now, if it really happens Michael scores 10 points and Alonso zero, I think this is something that has never happened in Formula One.

“I think it’s quite impossible – maybe 1% away from impossible!”

As far as Schumacher is concerned, even he concedes the drivers’ title is beyond him, with his focus on helping Ferrari win the constructors’ championship in which they trail Renault by nine points.

Whatever happens there is undoubtedly a Schumacher frenzy taking hold, mainly off the track, but partly on it too as BMW Sauber played their part in yesterday’s practice session.

The team displayed a retirement message on the rear wing of all three of their cars, with the words ’Thank you Michael’ visible in the first session, while for the second it was ’Danke Michael’.

Such a gesture did not go unnoticed by Schumacher, who landed the first blow by winding up quicker than Alonso in practice, after which he reiterated his goal.

“Of course, I am well aware this is my last grand prix, but once I am in the car, it feels no different to any other,” maintained the 37-year-old German.

“I am here with my family and my closest friends which makes me happy, and apart from the extra photographers and cameras, I feel the same as usual.

“I did see the ’thanks’ message from BMW Sauber, which also made me very happy. I can only say ’thanks’ in return.”

Turning to the grand prix, Schumacher added: “On the technical front, first impressions are good. The car and the Bridgestones seem to be working well.

“The situation seems pretty close, and from our side we are happy with the work we did yesterday. Our aim is clearly to try and win the constructors’ championship and that will require a one-two finish.”

Schumacher finished sixth quickest after the two hour-long runs, while Alonso was 10th, with the duo both trailing behind Williams tester Alexander Wurz.

Alonso did have an engine change prior to practice, but as it was done before taking to the circuit, he avoided a grid penalty.