Mercedes GP’s Michael Schumacher writes off chances of a Formula 1 title win
Mercedes GP driver, Michael Schumacher has little hope of winning a Championship in the upcoming 2011 Formula 1 season. With the current team car, he believes that the team might be able to win a few races but he wrote off any chances of being in the forefront
for the title battle.
While predicting the upcoming 2011 season for his team and the rivals on the grid, Schumacher stated, "We clearly know Red Bull are very strong and are the team you have to look at. I guess we're not quite in a position (to win), but then I wasn't expecting
to be in this position right now. The season is long and there is a big question mark as to who is coming up behind (Red Bull), and I hope we play a sufficient role in that."
The German returned to the track last year and teamed up with Mercedes GP, after staying away from the track for three years. Although his return received a lot of hype and fanfare, soon the enthusiasm of the fans faded away. The driver finished the season
at 9th place and was not able to bag any race win or even a podium finish all through the season.
The seven-time World Champion blamed the poor team car and unsuitable Bridgestone tyres for his poor performance. Although Pirelli has now taken over the Japanese rubber company in the series, and is expected to suit Schumacher’s driving style, yet the team
car does not seem very competitive.
The 42-year-old, after some disappointing practice sessions, defended the team car as he said, "We have made a lot of progress with the car, so I'm quite happy… So I know where we are, and we are working very well. We are on the slope and on the progress
curve like we want to be."
The Mercedes GP team boss, Ross Brawn announced by the mid of the last season that all development work on the 2010 car has been halted, as the factory diverted all attention towards the next season’s car.
However, despite the early start and putting in a lot of time and effort, the new team car, W02, does not meet the standards it was expected to meet.
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