Schumi tipped to come good in Spanish GP

Updated on: 19 May,2011 07:56 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Mercedes team principal Brawn backs seven-time champ to come good in Spanish GP

Mercedes team principal Brawn backs seven-time champ to come good in Spanish GP

Following the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul 10 days ago, the 42-year-old admitted for the first time since returning to Formula One at the start of last year that he was no longer enjoying the sport.

"The big joy has gone right now," was Schumacher's pointed remark in the wake of a miserable race in which he finished 12th and was often bullied out of positions.

After a few days to take stock, the seven-times world champion then revealed last week his motivation had been "pushed and re-boosted" after witnessing "clear signs of improvements as a team".

Brawn feels suggestions of Schumacher considering retirement again were "taking things too far".

Ahead of Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, Brawn added: "I'm sure the last race wasn't very joyful. I think that's what he was referring to. When you have a race like he did, for any driver, it's going to knock you back a bit.

"But he is pretty resilient, and I'm optimistic this weekend he'll be back where we want him.

"I've spoken to him since Turkey. We've had technical discussions, and he's hassling us about what we're doing with the car, what's coming along, what improvements we've got, so nothing's changed."

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