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Schumacher blames car deficiencies
ESPNF1 Staff
August 16, 2010
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Michael Schumacher has struggled more than team-mate Nico Rosberg © Getty Images
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Michael Schumacher has blamed his continuing struggles on his difficult return to Formula One on the handling characteristics of his Mercedes car.
Schumacher lies a disappointing ninth in the drivers' standings, having been consistently outqualified and outraced by young compatriot Nico Rosberg. But the seven-time world champion said he could explain the reasons for his woes.
"Looking at the points table then of course we cannot be satisfied," said Schumacher in a DVAG sponsor interview. "But there are reasons why the deficit is so great."
Schumacher is known to favour a 'pointy' and responsive front end, different to how the Brawn GP car was designed to suit Jenson Button's liking for understeer. It has meant that Schumacher has also struggled to get the best out of his tyres, the Bridgestones graining more quickly than he would like.
"This is the car that was put into our hands. It is a remnant of what was created last year. As a result there are many compromises that the driver has to deal with. The car is not at all in harmony with the tyres, or also with us as the drivers."
With no chance of breaking into the top three or pushing for race victories, the Brackley based outfit has now turned its attention to next year's title challenge.
"We have to ensure that the [new] car blends correctly with the drivers, and we are on the right track to be competitive in 2011," added Schumacher. "We are working harder than ever so that we can go for the titles."
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