Schumacher eyes strong Korea outing

The seven-time world champion put in one of the most convincing drives of his comeback season in Japan a fortnight ago - finishing sixth after harrying team-mate Nico Rosberg for most of the race.

And although delighted with that performance, he believes that Mercedes GP could be even better in Korea.

"I have to say that Suzuka was going pretty well, especially in the race," he said. "The car was going in comparison to our competitors pretty competitive I would say, the most competitive in a long time, and it was good fun.

"The way the car has been running at Suzuka I was very much impressed, because I expected it as one of the toughest races for us considering the character of the car.

"Looking back at how it was physically, I think this track could suit us slightly more. So in a way I expect us to be slightly more competitive than we were in Suzuka."

Although looking towards a step forward in form, Schumacher thinks it will still take some good fortune to get a top three finish.

"I guess we need a bit of luck to go for the podium," he explained. "Naturally we will try. It is a tough task but why not set it? Seriously, I think we are in team contention, probably team number three - behind Red Bull, and Ferrari/McLaren.

"This is our possibility at the moment unless special factors come in place. I have heard of some possible rain on Sunday and if mixed conditions and sudden rain come, then you never know."

But even if he finished on the podium, Schumacher has said that will mean little for his season.

"To be here on the podium for Mercedes would naturally be a very good result, probably the maximum we could hope for, but personally not [mean] that much because I have different aims," he said.

He added: "I am here to have success, together with the team. That is our aim and that is our target. That is what I am missing and whether I have a podium once in a while that is not the important business."