Schumacher: Mercedes just needs a small step

Michael Schumacher has insisted that only a ‘small step’ lies between Mercedes and more success in Grand Prix racing. The silver arrows, which bought out Brawn GP at the end of 2009, are yet to win a Formula 1 race under their own guise since legendary Juan Manuel Fangio claimed victory at Monza 57 years ago.

Seven-time World Champion Schumacher made his F1 comeback in 2010; although team-mate Nico Rosberg picked up three podium finishes that year, the elder of the two Germans is yet to enjoy any more than four fourth place results. However, he is sure that the Brackley-based outfit can finally celebrate positive accomplishments in 2012.

“I'm sure Mercedes and I will be successful," Schumacher told Italy’s Gazetta dello Sport. “We just need another small step and then we can make it to the top."

Mercedes, which is again headed by Ross Brawn this season, has elected to skip the opening four-day test at Jerez in order to enjoy more factory development time. The team will therefore debut its new car, the MGP W03, at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday 21 February.