Schumacher: “It will be very difficult to fight for victory here in Valencia”

Michael Schumacher remains pessimistic about his Mercedes chances of challenging for victory in Valencia despite a strong start to the weekend in free practice.

The German had been tipped as a potential victory candidate by Pirelli Motorsport boss Paul Hembery, but the former Ferrari driver played down his chances despite being fourth fastest in Friday's second practice session, less than three tenths of a second from the pace set by Sebastian Vettel. But the seven-time champion insists Mercedes will not have the pace to challenge for victory this weekend. “I think we're in a reasonable position, but it's not a good enough position to win here.”, said the Mercedes standard bearer. “I, obviously, appreciate the compliments paid to me in the pitlane, and I hope they are right, but at the moment I'm a bit pessimistic. We still had a positive day."

Schumi speculates that Mercedes lacks the speed to take pole and then defend itself in the race: “After the problem I had in the last race in Montreal, we didn't make any changes to the car, so I think we have to work a little more”, he insisted. “I think we can be reasonably close to the pacesetters, but I think it would be too optimistic to see us in pole position”he concluded.

Lorena Bianchi