Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher share a joke with photographers before the Australian Grand Prix ... there were few smiles by the end of the weekend © Sutton Images
Michael Schumacher remaind upbeat about Mercedes' chances in 2011 despite a disappointing start in Australia where both cars were forced out by damage sustained in accidents which were not their fault.
The signs from the pre-season tests had given cause for optimism, but Schumacher was uneasy during qualifying and then was hit on the first lap, and the damage caused his eventual retirement 19 laps later.
"There's absolutely no doubt we want to do better than in the opening race, which was a disappointment for all of us," Schumacher told the Press Association. "We clearly see that as a challenge and it is much too early to write us off.
"Everybody in the team remains positive and is in a fighting mood, so I expect a better weekend for us to come, a weekend we can build on."
Team boss Ross Brawn also maintained an optimistic view. "We suffered a number of problems which resulted in a far-from-optimum car for qualifying and the race, and then were unlucky to suffer a disappointing double retirement for Michael and Nico.
"Our priority since Melbourne has been to regroup back at our factories, to review the weekend in detail, and to establish the best way to achieve the full potential of the car from Malaysia onwards.
"How we respond to the disappointment of Melbourne, and the challenges we faced, will be a true measure of our team."
Credit: ESPN F1 (en.espnf1.com)
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