Schumacher optimistic for new season

Ferrari completed its last session of winter testing this week and the next time Michael Schumacher will be behind the wheel is at the Australian Grand Prix. The Scuderia was on track with other teams at Valencia until Wednesday and completed its work despite difficult weather conditions.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Ferrari Media Center.

"Our last three days of testing before we leave for Melbourne are over and we are basically quite pleased with the results, especially with yesterday's (Tuesday)," the reigning champion told his website.

"The weather circumstances were quite difficult due to the strong winds, but nevertheless we were able to do quite a bit of driving and collect a lot of data and useful information."

The week's test saw Schumacher and teammate Rubens Barrichello working on tyres and endurance runs, although heavy rain on Wednesday prevented much work being done.

"But we can't complain, considering the weather the other teams had to deal with at Silverstone and Imola," Schumacher said in regard to the other circuits that had snow.

Ferrari will start the season with the interim F2004M and the new car, which is being launched on Friday 25th February, will debut after the first few races. Schumacher expects Ferrari's rivals to be competitive and he is looking forward to the challenge.

"We can look forward to Melbourne now. We know that a difficult task lies ahead of us due to our using a modified version of last year's car. And we also know that our competitors are going to be very well prepared."

"But all I can do is say it again: the season is going to be long. When you've got 19 races to drive you have to think strategically and take the whole year into consideration, so I'm actually quite optimistic."

Schumacher has previously said that Renault and McLaren looked strong in winter testing and that Michelin has made good progress. However, given that the F2004 won 15 races last year, one can only imagine that the interim 'M' version of that car will still be the one to beat.