Williams are ready to move up a gear in Canada next week after a disappointing start to the Formula One season, says Ralf Schumacher.

"We've managed to produce some good results there so I'm hoping the track should suit our car again this year," said the German, a winner in Montreal three years ago and runner-up in 2003.

"Following this week's tests at Silverstone and Monza, I'm convinced that we have made a step forward but I don't know how big this will be until we get to Montreal.

"I am not going to let our difficult start to the season get in the way of future races because you always have to look forward," added Ralf.

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, the Williams driver's older brother, has won six of the season's seven races and is a favourite to win again in Canada at a circuit that has seen him triumphant six times in the past.

The Italian team have been dominant this year, their six times world champion beaten only by Renault's Jarno Trulli in Monaco last month.

Gerhard Berger, former motorsport director at Williams' engine partners BMW, told the team's website on Friday that the situation was very different to last year when Williams made up for a poor start with a strong recovery.

"At that time we were aware that the car was not well balanced, therefore we had something to start working with," said the Austrian.

"But this season the drivers are happy with the car's behaviour. They said the car reacts to changes and that the balance is fine.

"The drivers get a nice feedback, a nice feeling from the car, but finally they have to realise they are not quick enough. That's what makes it all so difficult."

Williams, overall runners-up last year, are fourth in the championship with 36 points. Ferrari have 106.