Schumacher upbeat about Ferrari form

Schumacher spent three days working at the Spanish circuit with Ferrari's new 248 F1 machine, and although it was the Renaults who dominated the test, the German showed a promising pace.

The Ferrari driver admitted he was delighted with how the test went and claimed his team are now only behind World Champions Renault.

"I'm absolutely satisfied with where we're at," Schumacher said on his website. "There is still no reason to be less than optimistic. Of course, we encountered a few small problems during our tests - but finding them is what testing is all about.

"But in general things are looking good. Renault seem to be the strongest team at this time, but Honda and ourselves are not far behind. That's my view right now."

Schumacher worked alongside MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi during the week, and the seven-time World Champion said he believed the Italian rider could make the switch to F1.

"I haven't changed my mind about him," he said. "He definitely has enough talent, and the good impression he made on me prior to this test has now been intensified as a result.

"But now he will focus on his preparation for the MotoGP championship, and I will do the same: after spending the weekend with my family, I will continue testing next week in Italy."