“It’s not a goal that I feel I’m going to beat this particular record,” said Schumacher, who could also equal Fangio’s record of four successive titles, having become only the second man in history to complete a championship hat-trick last season.

“It’s much more important to show respect and get the result for the hard work that everybody in the team has done.

“I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve but we can’t compare it with the work of others.”

Schumacher has re-written the Formula One record book and has set totals for wins, points and fastest laps that may never be beaten – and he still has a few more years to increase the target.

The only meaningful mark he has yet to achieve is Ayrton Senna’s astonishing tally of 65 poles and Schumacher – second on the list with 50 – will need a couple more seasons to finally break that total.

But despite all the denials, it goes against the often ruthless focus and commitment Schumacher has brought to the sport since his debut with Jordan in 1991 for the thought of becoming undeniably the most successful driver in history not to be a spur.

“Believe me, he really wants that sixth world championship,” said Britain’s 1992 world-beater Nigel Mansell.

“He wants to establish a new record. There’s no question that Michael is one of the greatest drivers ever to drive an F1 car.

“He’s a total professional, totally committed. He’s utterly focussed and if he wants something he’ll do what it takes to get it.

“He has the hunger and when you combine that with a mega God-given talent as he has it makes you seriously hard to beat.”

Schumacher insists he cannot expect to repeat last season’s exploits when he won the title with a record number of wins (11), points (144) and biggest margin (67) over the second-placed driver Rubens Barrichello in the other Ferrari.

“I’ve had 12 years in F1 and I’ve only had one season which was like last year – so why not have a little bit more of that,” added Schumacher, who won the championship with six races to spare.

“But it would be too much to think we could do that again. I don’t expect to do that but it would not be a disappointment.

“For me, all I am concerned about is winning the championship – whether it is in the last race or the middle of the season. It’s just more comfortable if it comes earlier.”

But it seems only a major shunt – like he had at Silverstone in 1999 – can stop him and his Ferrari ‘dream team’ of sporting director Jean Todt, technical director Ross Brawn and designer Rory Byrne from enjoying a triumphant campaign.

The Swiss-based racer has been shattering the lap record at Ferrari’s private test track at Fiorano in the F2003-GA car, though he will launch the season in Melbourne on March 7-9 in last year’s model.

The new car is unlikely to make its debut until the fourth round of the campaign and the team’s first ‘home’ race, the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.

“We have to start with the old car which we already know is good, it should give us important points at the beginning of the season,” Schumacher added.

“And then the new car will give us another step forward. We’ve seen that winter testing has been much closer than some people might have expected given last year’s results.

“I’m anticipating that McLaren is coming on strong with their new car – so it’s very important that we do a good job with the new car.

“If McLaren end up very close to us then we’ll have McLaren and Williams chasing us.

“Rubens (Barrichello) will certainly be a big challenge – we have seen in winter testing and last year that he is a bloody fast racing driver.

“And it’s been a challenge for me to keep the upper hand.”