Schumacher 'positive' despite early reliability problems
Michael Schumacher got very limited running in the Mercedes W02 © Getty Images
Michael Schumacher appeared upbeat about the first day of testing in the new Mercedes W02, despite missing out on running due to reliability problems.
Schumacher completed just 14 laps and set the ninth fastest time after the car experienced hydraulic-related gearbox issues. However, he said there was plenty of reason to be optimistic, even if the ultimate pace of the car was not yet clear.
"It has always been and is still very special to go out in a new car for the first time, and I very much enjoyed today even if it was just a few laps that we could do. Maybe you could sum it up with: interesting but short! It was mainly about doing a few system checks today and I am looking forward to the laps to come."
He said he felt much more at home in the new Mercedes than he did a year ago in the 2009 machine, but added that it was too early to tell what the car would be like.
"At the start of last year I felt a bit rusty, but that is not the case in this car. I feel immediately at home and I know what to do. I know the functions of the car and I know how to drive it. But still the reference [with the old car] is not there yet."
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said the hydraulics problem had been frustrating and the main aim was to solve any problems as soon as possible.
"Michael and Nico felt comfortable and had a good feeling from the car, although we were limited in the mileage that we achieved today," he said. "We had a hydraulic problem early on which limited Nico's running but were able to change the system to get Michael out for a few laps at the end. The first tests are about focusing on reliability, which admittedly was not great today, and getting the KERS system functioning well. Performance testing will develop over the next month as we get more running under our belts."
Credit: ESPN F1 (espn.com)
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