Schumacher expects more fun with V8s

The seven times World Champion said on Thursday the balance between engine power and tyre performance was now "more in harmony" than with the old V10s.

"The car is a bit sharper to drive and I prefer it," the German told a news conference before Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Schumacher won a record 84 Grands Prix with the old three and 3.5 litre engines that have been replaced by the new 2.4 litre V8s.

"Generally you lose about two to three seconds going from a V10 to a V8 engine but thanks to our engineers, who are very efficient, it has not made a big difference," said the 37-year-old.

"But then we were off the pace to some degree last year."

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen said the new engines made no difference to him.

"I haven't changed my driving at all. You just drive the car as fast as you can," said the Finn, winner of seven races last season on his way to second place behind Renault's World Champion Fernando Alonso.