Michael Schumacher: ‘that was not an ideal start to the season’ – Formula 1 Update
Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher has shown concern over his performance in the Australian Grand Prix Qualifiers. He explained that the Kinetic Energy Recovery System and the movable wing are working well, but the overall performance of the car was not up to the mark.
Seven times Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher, is into his second season after a gap of three years. Last season was also not one of his best, as he did not manage a single podium finish.
As the 2011 season has started on Friday with the free practice sessions, Schumacher is already trailing the podium by a long way. In the Qualifiers on Saturday, Schumacher did a great run in the Q3 and managed a place in Q2, but did not manage to book his seat in Q1, as he finished 11th. His team-mate, Nico Rosberg, managed a spot in Q1, but finished seventh on the table.
Schumacher’s hopes of challenging the Red Bull are looking fazed, as ten cars will be sitting between him and the Red Bull’s driver, Sebastian Vettel. Disappointed about the performance, Schumacher said, “Clearly that was not an ideal start to the season, and I cannot deny that I am disappointed.”
He added that the testing session times have not been translated in the Qualifiers, where they matter. Schumacher explained that the KERS and the DRS were working well but the overall car’s performance was not the same as was in the tests in Barcelona.
“We now have to look deeply into it to understand why it turned out to be like this, because for the moment we are not where we wanted to be,” seven times champion said.
The first race of the 2011 season will be held on Sunday and along with Schumacher, no other driver is looking to give the reigning champion, Vettel, a close shave to the podium. Although Lewis Hamilton of McLaren did a good job to be right behind Vettel in second place, as Ferrari or Mercedes are not close enough to claim the Podium in Australia.
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