Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher yesterday urged his fans not to write off his Mercedes GP Petronas F1 team following a disastrous season-opening race in Australia
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher yesterday urged his fans not to write off his Mercedes GP Petronas F1 team following a disastrous season-opening race in Australia.
"There is absolutely no doubt we want to do better than in the opening race, which was a disappointment for all of us. We clearly see that as a challenge and it is much too early to write us off," he said in a statement.
Schumacher came to grief on the third turn and battled on before retiring after 19 laps and was followed shortly afterwards by fellow German Nico Rosberg with mechanical problems after being rammed by Rubens Barrichello.
Mercedes, who finished fourth in the constructors' title last season, came away from the opening race without any points. Schumacher is looking forward to competing atu00a0 the Sepang circuit in Malaysia this weekend.
"Everybody in the team remains positive and is in a fighting mood. So I expect a better weekend for us to come; a weekend we can build on," he said.
Since coming out of retirement, Schumacher failed to reach the podium in the 2010 season and his team-mateu00a0 Rosberg finished 70 points ahead in the World Drivers' Championships.
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