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Schumacher pleased with first impression

The team ran the 2011 car at Jerez ahead of the W03's debut at Barcelona © Sutton Images

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• Michael Schumacher

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Michael Schumacher says that the new W03 "instantly gave us good feedback and sensations" after running the car twice before its launch on Tuesday.

The new car was officially unveiled in the pit lane in Barcelona ahead of the first day of the second test, but the team has already completed 354km during a filming day at Silverstone and private test day in Barcelona. After revealing the car at the Circuit de Catalunya Schumacher said that the initial impressions had been positive.

"I have done quite a few roll-outs and launches of new cars, but even after all these years, I must say it still feels special," Schumacher said. "Days like this are precious moments, as they are always filled with hope and anticipation. Already last week, when we were driving the F1 W03 for the very first time, it instantly gave us good feedback and sensations."

Schumacher also said that the team would be able to work immediately on improving the car, but said it was too early to judge how much of an improvement the car is over its predecessor.

"Starting today, we will work intensively to make it a competitive runner. Obviously, we will only see over the next couple of weeks how big the step is that we have made, but I can say already that the guys and girls back in the factories at Brackley and Brixworth were brilliant in putting in so much effort, and we can only say a big thank you them. I know which reward they would like, and we will definitely try to deliver it. For my part, I am eager to fight again, looking forward to the new season, and I can't wait for it to begin."

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn is confident Schumacher is still good enough to win races and said it is his personal ambition to give him a car capable of doing that.

Asked by Sky Sports what Schumacher needs to do to stay at the team beyond, Brawn said: "I think to achieve some results; it's really as simple as that. Michael enjoys his racing, is very, very committed and I think we need to achieve some results and Michael will continue as long as he can achieve results. We need to give him a car to do that. I think both our drivers are more than capable of winning races if we can create the car. There's two ambitions I have; one is for Nico to win his first race but the other one is for Michael to win a race again. And wouldn't that be a great story for Formula One if Michael Schumacher won a race again? It would be sensational."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.