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Schumacher insists F1 return is still on target

Michael Schumacher believes that his Formula One comeback is going “according to plan”, despite a disappointing start for the Mercedes driver.

The seven-times champion has only taken nine points in the first opening races compared to  Nico Rosberg’s total of thirty-five. A large part of this can be attributed to misfortune, with Schumacher suffering from front wing problems in Australia, due to a first corner collision with Fernando Alonso, and a retirement in Malaysia.

However, the 41-year-old says he is not worried by his poor run of form and remains confident about the season ahead.

“Admittedly the last two races have not been very fortunate for me but I am very much aware of the reasons for it.” said Schumacher in a team preview or next weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.

“I know how things go in F1 and if you look into the detail of the two races, I think everything is still going according to plan. You can only improve step-by-step and I am confident that we are achieving this.”

Schumacher’s sentiments are echoed by team principal Ross Brawn, who hopes that the luck of his star driver will change in Shanghai.

“Achieving our first podium of the season with Nico was very rewarding in Malaysia at the home race of our title partner PETRONAS and a timely boost for the team.” Brawn said.

“Michael also had a strong weekend and is getting more up to speed with every race although circumstances beyond his control limited his race performance in Melbourne and Sepang. We hope to continue these signs of improvement in China and it would be particularly good for Michael to be able to have a clean race and show the progress that he has made since the start of the season.

“On an operational level, the team has performed very well over the three races and did a good job during Nico’s race in Malaysia to record one of the quickest pit stops of the season. Our car has been reliable, with the exception of the wheel nut problem in Malaysia, and I am very pleased with the performance of our drivers. “

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