Mercedes drivers Schumacher, Rosberg hopeful of fighting with Ferrari – Formula 1 news
Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher have said that Ferrari will be under siege in the Spanish Grand Prix but Red Bull and McLaren are way ahead to be challenged in the 2011 Formula 1 season.
Schumacher stated that the team has progressed well in terms of development but Ferrari have also made a huge step forward thereby making it tough upfront.
Rosberg, who qualified third at the Turkish Grand Prix, slipped further in the Spanish qualifiers to seventh place but still thinks that a fight with Ferrari is possible.
“In Turkey I was third on the grid and here I am seventh, so it is not ideal. But, taking a step back, it was to be expected because we changed our approach a bit. In terms of tyres I am looking better than Ferrari,” commented Nico.
The young German also stated that the McLarens and Red Bulls are way ahead to be challenged so Mercedes will look to take the fight to the Ferrari team.
On the other hand, Schumacher also believes that a challenge to the Red Bull team will be ludicrous.
He said, “A car that aerodynamically is very strong, which the Red Bull is, can show and prove its advantage on the type of track like Barcelona. Ourselves, I would have rated us the third to fourth position among the teams.”
However, the seven-time Formula 1 champion added that Ferrari are not going to be an easy competitor because the scarlet cars have shown some good progress in the last couple of races.
Schumacher had some issues with his Kinetic Energy Recovery System due to which he was unable to post a time in the Q3.
Talking about the KERS, Ross Brawn hoped that the team will get it fixed before the race because it is going to prove vital in challenging the Ferraris.
Michael stated that the option tyres are still available to him but the tyre strategy will be finalised when the car hits the track on Sunday, May 22, 2011.
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