Michael Schumacher and Mercedes GP eyeing podiums in 2011
Michael during recent testing in Barcelona
He added, “We are going in the right direction. Definitely. We should be in a good position this year. But as to whether we already have a winning car – for this assessment I would like to first wait a few races.”
This will be a relief to the entire Mercedes GP organisation as the 2010 car was hardly a winning piece of kit and little to enhance Schumacher’s legendary reputation. It was his worst full season in his long, record smashing, career.
Nevertheless, Fernando Alonso earlier this year put Schumcher top of his list of most “dangerous” challengers for the 2011 Formula 1 crown.
Michael and Fernando Alonso have a long running rivalry
Perhaps the biggest revelation of Schumacher’s comeback is that the arrogance that characterised his Ferrari years has made way for a much more humble character, at least for now.
He admits candidly, “I never thought that I would come back after three years and everything would be as before. I am a realist in this respect…it is true that the re-acclimatisation has taken longer than I hoped, but I was always clear that it would be difficult and that there would be no guarantee of success. I am the type who is encouraged by challenges.”
Michael driving the MGPW02 in Barcelona
Although confident going into the new season Schumacher is also realistic, predicting, “Red Bull looks very strong, and therefore, Sebastian is a favourite going into the season.”
