Schumacher Delighted after 'Perfect' Race

World Champion Michael Schumacher said he had put in a perfect performance to claim first blood in this year's world title battle with victory in the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Schumacher cruised home to his 71st Grand Prix victory after an early race battle with Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello faded when the Brazilian suffered brake problems.

"It basically was (perfect)," said Schumacher after the race. "It was tough in beginning because before Rubens had his problems he was pushing hard. I couldn't allow any mistakes and it was very exciting.

"After we saw Fernando [Alonso] slowing we slowed our pace to save everything we could because we have new regulations and although the confidence is there it is good to save as much as you can.

"But it is clear the car goes well, we have seen that all weekend, and I have come home with two points more than I had got after three races last year. It is a good start to the season for me."

Schumacher's motivation was questioned in the winter as he took a break after winning a record breaking sixth World Championship title in the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix in October.

But he was delighted to make yet another victory jump onto the podium in Australian and insisted there is no question that he will go on if he keeps putting in performances like he did on Sunday.

"I don't think it is hard to be motivated," said Schumacher. "I am in the best team, we have a great atmosphere, I am with Ferrari and I have nothing to win any more to some degree. I can race for fun. I love the sport, the fighting on the circuit, it is natural to me.

"As long as I am competitive I will enjoy it as much as I can. The crowd here was fantastic and it was a great opening race of the season for us."