• Interview: Michael Schumacher

'I don't expect to be winning right from the start'

Michael Schumacher: We're not worried about the lap times © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes

After his first full day of testing, Michael Schumacher talked to the media about his new car and the new team. Dan Knutson was at the press conference for ESPNF1.

Are you happy after two days back in the car?
Michael Schumacher: Yes I am indeed happy. I had a good first day, a rather shortish run on Monday, but today we had a full day. We had a little hydraulic leak that stopped us at the end, but all in all, very positive feedback. The car is running very smoothly and very nicely. I am looking very positively at the season.

Ross Brawn has talked about the excellent feedback you give him. Have you suggested any improvements you would like made on the car?
That is what I am here for.

This is the first season since 1999 with four world champions in the field, but do you think the field is stronger this season?
I think so, yeah. Due to the fact that you have very high quality drivers around in very competitive cars, it will make the season very exciting.

How do you judge your job on Monday and today?
Basically I am feeling quite good. The main focus point right now is to look at the reliability. Do as many laps as you can and not worry too much for the lap times. Yes, you look at them but you need to focus on what is important.

What about the impressive pace of the Ferraris?
They are very strong, yes, and it is nice to see them back in action.

Is it too early to know if your car will be a winner?
No, I am not going to say that. I am thinking we will be competitive, but whether this is going to be a winning car or not, is another story. For me that is not so important. It is a long season, and we need to be there, we need to be taking good points at the beginning. I wouldn't expect to be winning right from the beginning. It was not something that I was aiming for or expecting to be the case.

Is it still fun to drive an F1 car?
Absolutely.

Ross Brawn said it feels like old times working with you. Have you felt the same way about working with him?
Yes, indeed. I feel put backwards a long time, and feel fresh and motivated. Knowing each other so well makes things very easy.

Michael Schumacher completed his first full day of testing with Mercedes on Wednesday © Sutton Images

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Was there anything that was harder than you expected getting back in the car?
Actually much easier than I expected. I need a bit more time, but it went pretty well.

How do you feel about being on the track with two other world champions today?
It is not important what they have put in their records in the past. It is important what they will do in the future.

Are you still anxious before going to the track?
I am always excited. You can imagine after three years of not doing anything, it is a new challenge and a new experience; a very different one; a different team; a different environment. So lots of interesting things that I am experiencing.

Did you sleep well?
I actually slept very well, even when engines were running, and generators were running, I slept like a baby. So it's good.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.