Michael Schumacher remains optimistic that he and Mercedes GP can challenge for race victories and podium finishes this season despite their ignominious start to the season.
The seven-time world champion failed to reach the final part of qualifying at last month's Australian Grand Prix, lining up only 11th, and he then had his race ruined when his car was hit by Jaime Alguersuari's Toro Rosso on the first lap, before mechanical problems put him out of the race.
Nico Rosberg fared little better, running off the pace, but in the points, before he was forced out following a collision with Rubens Barrichello's Williams.
Despite their no score, which came after an encouraging pre-season, Schumacher is upbeat ahead of this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.
"Everybody in the team remains positive and is in a fighting mood," he said.
"So I expect a better weekend for us to come; a weekend we can build on."
Schumacher came out of retirement to race for Mercedes last season, but failed to finish on the podium all year. However, the German claims that he is not worried about the lack of pace in Melbourne.
"There is absolutely no doubt we want to do better than in the opening race, which was a disappointment for all of us," he said.
"We clearly see that as a challenge and it is much too early to write us off."
The team only finished fourth in the constructors' standings last season, but Ross Brawn, the Mercedes team principal, said all eyes within the team were on ensuring a more competitive showing at the Sepang circuit.
"Our priority since Melbourne has been to regroup back at our factories ..., to review the weekend in detail, and to establish the best way to achieve the full potential of the car from Malaysia onwards," the Englishman said.
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
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- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
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*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
SPEC SHEET
Display: 10.9" Liquid Retina IPS, 2360 x 1640, 264ppi, wide colour, True Tone, Apple Pencil support
Chip: Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Memory: 64/256GB storage; 8GB RAM
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, Smart HDR
Video: 4K @ 25/25/30/60fps, full HD @ 25/30/60fps, slo-mo @ 120/240fps
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR, Centre Stage; full HD @ 25/30/60fps
Audio: Stereo speakers
Biometrics: Touch ID
I/O: USB-C, smart connector (for folio/keyboard)
Battery: Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours on cellular
Finish: Space grey, starlight, pink, purple, blue
Price: Wi-Fi – Dh2,499 (64GB) / Dh3,099 (256GB); cellular – Dh3,099 (64GB) / Dh3,699 (256GB)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
Score
Third Test, Day 2
New Zealand 274
Pakistan 139-3 (61 ov)
Pakistan trail by 135 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
