Michael Schumacher believes only Juan Pablo Montoya can destroy his dream of a record sixth World Championship this season.
The Ferrari driver has ruled out McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen, even though the Finn is just seven points behind with races in the United States and Japan left.
Schumacher leads Williams-BMW’s Montoya by three points following his first victory in six races in Italy last weekend.
Schumacher, who shares the record of five drivers’ crowns with Argentina’s Juan Manuel Fangio, said: “I really think that it will get more intense between me and Montoya and that it will be decided between us.”
The German, who has won the title for the past three years, could be crowned champion with victory at Indianapolis on Sunday week as long as other results go his way.
The 34-year-old believes back-to-back wins are a possibility after a successful test at Jerez, Spain, this week.
“I’m confident for Indy,” said Schumacher. “Many of the corner combinations (at Jerez) are similar to the Indy infield.
“This test has provided us with optimum conditions and we were even able to test tyres for Suzuka as well.”