Schumacher changes tune and eyes podium

A week ago, after the second day of the final four-day test in Barcelona for Mercedes, Schumacher ruled out such a prospect.

However, 24 hours later his head had been turned by a significant upgrade package that had propelled his car to the fastest time of the nine testing days overall spent at the Circuit de Catalunya this winter.

With the new Formula 1 season starting in seven days’ time with first practice ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Schumacher admits his feeling now “is a good one.”

“The team has been working very hard over the winter to shape our car in all of the areas which had been identified by us as needing improvement,” said the seven-times world champion.

“The data I have seen over the winter had been quite encouraging, but then we all know the realities of data and the race track can be quite different. As a driver you hope for a good step forward and I think this is what we have achieved. I am confident we can compete for podium finishes.”