Schumi: “We are well prepared”

In 2010, for his return to business, Michael Schumacher had disappointed a certain number of observers. However, at the end of the season, the seven-time world champion looked more dashing than in previous months, despite the fact that the W01 did not suit his driving style.

This year, the new silver arrow, called W02, was designed according to his wishes, and should therefore probably suit him better. The engineers Mercedes worked hard last winter to provide the seven-time world champion and his teammate Nico Rosberg with a car capable of claiming the podium. A few days before the first Grand Prix, Schumi seems quite optimistic

“We are well prepared, underlines the Kaiser. We will begin to be able to judge all the efforts made during the off-season. We'll also learn more about where we stand in the hierarchy, and what we still need to do. After a year of collaboration, I feel at home within this team. »

After winter testing, it is very difficult to assess the potential of the W02. If at Mercedes GP we want to be very careful, Ross Brawn's new weapon has shown itself to its advantage on several occasions. It remains to be seen whether this will be enough to tickle the favorites that are Red Bull et Ferrari.

Discover in your AUTO magazinehebdo, on newsstands tomorrow, our hierarchy of the teams before the Australian Grand Prix (The escapees, the chasing group, the peloton, the losers), an interview with Paul Hembery, the boss of the competition at Pirelli and an exclusive interview with Nico Rosberg.