Schumacher confident of podium finish driving his new F1 car

LONDON - Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is looking forward to driving his new Mercedes car, and is convinced that he will be back on the podium this season.

Schumacher failed to finish in the top three of any race in his comeback year last season.

He is much happier with his new F1 car and has not ruled out challenging for an eighth world title when the 20-race season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 13.

“We have said it several times already, but again we are really looking to build up something big together,” The Sun quoted Schumacher, as saying.

“I am very confident this season we will be standing on the podium much more regularly - ideally in the middle,” he said.

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn also believes that this year’s car will help Schumacher and teammate Nico Rosberg to be more competitive.

“The concept development for the car started early and we have set challenging targets for the design, combined with a robust plan to ensure the pace of development can continue throughout the long season.

“We have two excellent drivers in Michael and Nico, both of whom are capable of winning races in a good car, and we look forward to seeing them push each other,” Brawn said. (ANI)