Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Michael Schumacher still pessimistic about Mercedes' Valencia pace despite strong practice times

Michael Schumacher says he remains pessimistic about his chances of fighting for victory in Valencia despite a good start to the weekend in practice

The German has been tipped as a potential candidate for victory by Pirelli's Paul Hembery, but he has downplayed his chances following a difficult Canadian Grand Prix for Mercedes.

Schumacher was fourth fastest in second practice on Friday, less than three tenths of a second off the pace set by Sebastian Vettel.

But the seven-time champion insists Mercedes will not have the pace to fight for victory this weekend.

"I think we are in a reasonable position but not a good enough position to win here," said Schumacher.

"I obviously appreciate the compliments I have been given by some people in the pitlane here, and I hope they are right, but at the moment I am a little bit pessimistic. We had a reasonable day though."

The Mercedes driver also believes it would be too optimistic to expect his team to be fighting for pole position.

"After the problem I just had this final run. We didn't make any adjustments to the car, so I guess we have a little bit more we can work on," he said.

"I guess we can be reasonably close to the frontrunners, but I think it would be too optimistic to put us on pole position."

Team-mate Nico Rosberg finished second practice in 10th position.

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Europe Friday quotes: Caterham
Next article Vettel not judging Red Bull updates yet despite setting pace in practice for European GP

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe