• Australian Grand Prix

Schumacher aims to lead fight behind Red Bulls

Michael Schumacher: "I think we are going to play an important role just behind Red Bull" © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Australian Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes
• |
• Red Bull

Michael Schumacher is confident he can line up behind Red Bull on the grid at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

Mercedes showed an impressive turn of pace at the final pre-season test thanks to a comprehensive upgrade package on the W02, but Red Bull is still the favourite to win this weekend. Schumacher said he was aiming to be at the front of the chasing pack.

"I think we are going to play an important role just behind [Red Bull]," he was quoted by Autosport. "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. 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."

When asked if he was aiming for a podium, Schumacher said: "That is the nature of being behind Red Bull that you might be jumping on the podium."

But despite his bullish attitude, he is not yet entertaining thoughts of an eighth world championship in 2011.

"I think this year our target and our realistic possibility would be to fight for podiums and if things go very well then maybe to win a race," he added. "Does this put us in a position to fight for the championship? No. You have to be careful with this one. I don't think we are yet ready prepared and developed for this. If it comes the opportunity we will be there and you can be sure we will try to catch it, but we will see step-by-step. Where we were last year, where can we be this year and play it realistically, not unrealistically."

He said only wins and not podiums would satisfy him this year.

"To be on the podium would be great, but does it really change anything? No," Schumacher said. "What does change is if we can achieve our target to win a championship together with Mercedes. That is what I want to achieve and that is what I am here for and that is what we are fighting really hard for. Are we ready right now? No. Can we win a race? Maybe. Would it satisfy me? Absolutely, I would be thrilled about this, no doubt, and it is all about winning at the end of the day."

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