The seven time World Champion Michael Schumacher struggled in the 2010 Formula 1 season after returning to the sport after a break of almost 3 years. The German driver blamed the new set of tyres that was introduced in 2010 for
his failure however it does not justify anything since his teammate outperformed him almost throughout the season in the very same car.
Since Bridgestone will be replaced by Pirelli for 2011, Schumacher has been optimistic about next season and according to the Pirelli test session that was carried out in Abu Dhabi, Michael finished in 2nd place just
3 tenths behind Fernando Alonso’s time. This is an extremely good sign for Mercedes.
“The new tyres mean Michael can also develop them to his style and, with a better-balanced car and his incredible belief; he will be a huge contender for the world championship. He can do it. I think the new car will be much more
suited to Michael's driving, over steering into corners,” said Emerson.
Former World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi believes that we will get to see the real Michael Schumacher once again in 2011. Emerson claims he talked to Ross Brawn recently and according to his expressions, it seems Mercedes is up
to something big.
“He (Ross Brawn) has all of his old ability. In his last race he was there. Every mile you drive in a racing car you learn. Next year he will deliver. When I saw Brawn, his mind was already on 2011. If you're fit physically, you
can race on, because you don't lose anything mentally,” he added.
Fittipaldi stated that Sebastian Vettel will have a tough time retaining his F1 crown in 2011 with competitors like Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Felipe Massa and yes, Michael Schumacher.
“The pressure to repeat is huge and, if he (Sebastian Vettel) takes that pressure and lets it become a negative, it will be very destructive. The first time I realised I was champion was when I read it in a newspaper. It's probably
the same for Vettel,” said Emerson.
He believes that Sebastian will have to work extremely hard in order to repeat his 2010 performance next year and stated that Fernando Alonso is the most complete driver driving in the Formula 1 at present.
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