Michael Schumacher has refused to be drawn into predicting great things for the Australian Grand Prix, which takes place next weekend, following Ferrari's announcement that they will begin the year with last season's car.
The German has publicly stated that he does not expect to feature on the podium, in a race he has won for the past two years' running, as he does not think the F2001 will have the pace to match McLaren and Williams.
"It would have been better to start the season with the F2002, as everyone else will start with their new cars, which are definitely faster, but maybe not more reliable," Schumacher was quoted as saying by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
"At the first race there are often many retirements, but we have no doubts - our objective is to get three or four points, but also to be there to take advantage of any chance that might arise. It's a shame that we are running a bit late (with the new car).
"Anyway, I prefer not to make any predictions for the F2002. We won't be able to make proper performance comparisons with our rivals until Australia."
Ferrari decided to use the F2001 after reliability proved problematic for the F2002 in testing last week. Schumacher has publicly backed their decision.
he's not fuckin arrogant u @!#$ @#$%&.
u ppl have no fuckin life. he's a fuckin good driver, @!#$ hell!! if he can fuckin win the champ, he's the fuckin best driver. if coulthard wins it this year, then he's the fuckin best driver this yr, if montoya wins it, if ralf wins it, they are the best fuckin drivers this year @!#$.
i go for schumacher, coz i think he is the best fuckin driver. u go for who ever the @!#$ u want to fuckin go for
Chris C--------------------------------------
GPTC & GPVWC Manager o'
CVRTHawkEyE '01WC' Driver o'
CVRThttp://cvrt.tk