Michael Schumacher confident about chances after first day of testing
Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher was not able to complete too many laps on the first day of testing at Valencia but the German was confident and excited about the season ahead.
Schumacher only completed 15 laps in the day, while his team-mate Nico Rosberg’s progress was halted by a hydraulics problem.
The former world champion expressed his feelings about the day by saying, “Interesting, but short because obviously we had expected to do a few more laps. Nevertheless it is always exciting, after a long winter break, to get back into the car and drive.”
The 42-year-old clocked his best time of 1:16.450 in his 15 laps and ended-up as the ninth fastest of the day. His team-mate ended-up at 13th after he only managed to complete nine laps in the day. Rosberg’s best time was 1:19.930.
Mercedes launched their car yesterday before testing started, and the team was optimistic about the 2011 season. Schumacher also praised the efforts of the team and said that the car was nice both from the outside and the inside.
The veteran driver claimed that he was physically fit and would have no issues with his health next season. He further said that he had always maintained the maximum level of fitness and that would not change for him in the future.
The German legend admitted that his return to the sport was below par. He said, “Yes, I was rusty. But that's not the case now. I get into the car and I immediately feel at home. I know what to do, I know all the functions of the car, I know how to drive
it.”
Following the tests at Valencia, Mercedes team boss Norbert Haug said that Schumacher's performance would be better next season. He said that the team would offer him a much stronger car compared to last season and that he would be winning races.
Reflecting on the 2010 season, Haug said, “Of course, all in all, things did not fit together in the right way. But managing expectation is only possible with delivering results. You cannot continue to explain and explain. We don't want to use excuses, but
the results are what counts.”
The team was also confident that Nico Rosberg would be at the top alongside Schumacher. The young German has been overshadowed by his illustrious team-mate but he will also be a force to reckon with in the upcoming season.
Rosberg had a relatively strong season last year as he scored 142 points and finished 7th in the driver standings. Mercedes struggled throughout the 2010 season but Rosberg managed to get the maximum out of his car.
The team was expecting to have a better second day of testing at Valencia on 2 February. There will be a lot of laps coming from both Rosberg and Schumacher after their progress was halted on the first day.
The second day of testing will give a clearer picture of the team’s preparations compared to the other top teams.
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