Schumacher confident of leading the way behind Red Bull Racing at Australian GP – Formula 1
Mercedes GP’s Michael Schumacher has said that he is confident about his chances at the 2011 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix as he can line up behind Red Bull Racing on the grid in at the first race of the season that is expected to take place on March 27.
The two Mercedes GP drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg gave a pretty good performance at the final pre-season test session that took place in Barcelona thanks to the comprehensive upgrade the team made on its new car, the Mercedes W02.
However, Red Bull are still the favourite team for the season opener in Australia and Schumacher is aiming to be at the front of the chasing pack behind them.
“I think we are going to play an important role just behind [Red Bull]. And whoever is behind that group - I see Ferrari, Renault look good, Williams look good, McLaren is not to be forgotten because I expect them to be stronger than they were in testing,
and us,” stated Michael.
This statement does not mean that he is ruling out Mercedes GP’s chances of winning at all this year as his statement is related to the Australian Grand Prix only, not the 2011 Formula 1 season as a whole.
“This is the pack and I see a good opportunity that we might be able to fight for the position to be the second fastest,” added the seven-time world champion.
When he was asked whether he is aiming for a podium position at the season opener, the German replied that is the nature of being behind Red Bull as there is always a chance of jumping on the podium.
Despite his past statements, it seems that he has not entertained any thoughts of an 8th world title this year up until now but he claims that he is approaching the upcoming season ‘realistically’ which means that he
would at least be fighting for the podiums as he believes that the team is not prepared and developed for it yet.
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