Schumacher still smiling amid comeback struggles

Michael Schumacher on Thursday proved that his on-track struggles this season have not dented his sense of humour.

At a team press conference in Hungary, the seven time world champion tried to answer a questioner but found that his microphone was not working.

Boss Norbert Haug leaned over and pressed a button, moving Schumacher to laugh: "If Norbert touches it, it works.

"Maybe he should touch my car, and it will work too!" added the 41-year-old.

Schumacher reinforced that he is staying calm in order to work on the technical deficiencies, in order to mount a championship challenge in 2011.

But in Hungary, organisers of the 25th Formula One race in Budapest are not unhappy with Schumacher.

According to SID news agency, ticket sales are 10 per cent higher than in 2009, and "we have Michael Schumacher to thank for that," confirmed Hungaroring vice president Tamas Frank.

A grandstand at the track is even named after the famous German.

"A great idea," laughed the chirpy Schumacher.