Michael Schumacher: Championship not possible this season
Mercedes GP driver Michael Schumacher admits the 2011 Formula 1 season will be tough but assured that the team was heading in the right direction.
While talking to the media earlier today, the seven-time world champion accepted that it will be "difficult" for Mercedes to claim a championship this season. However, he ruled out all speculations regarding the team car, insisting that it was competitive
and reliable and would be further refined before the season opener, the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The German returned to the track at the start of the 2010 season after a period of three years. However, his much hyped return turned nothing more than sheer disappointment for the team. All through the year, his fans waited to see the usual wonders of the
racing icon, but faced disappointment as 'Schumi' seemed a shadow of his past self. As the season ended many believed not to see the racer again on the track however, the 42-year-old chose to stay and bag another championship before leaving the sport once
for all. He insisted that his return to the series was a three year project and he will win another title before the end of his contract.
The beginning of 2011 had been encouraging for Schumacher. He stamped the quickest lap time at the second day of the pre-season test session held at Jerez last week. Although the result brings a lot hope for the driver, many believe that the practice time-sheets
mean little. The reliability and performance of the new W02 is still being questioned. Many believe that Schumacher’s fastest time was only possible due to low fuel and the super-soft tyres the team used at the practice.
However, Schumacher insisted that the team’s car is better than last season. While talking to the media earlier today he insisted, "We are Mercedes and our goal is clear. It will be difficult to achieve our goal this year but we have a vision that is not
only short term… Only the first race in Bahrain will show us exactly what our situation is."
He is resolute to bag some good points and a few race wins, although he accepts that claiming a championship might need another season.
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