Schumi means business

Mercedes believe their new WO3 car will allow them to claw their way back to the level of the top trio, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, when the new F1 season kicks off with a vengeance on March 18.

Formula One great Michael Schumacher says he is ‘eager to fight again’ defiantly removing any suggestion that he can no longer compete with his younger rivals for track success.

The bitterly disappointed German team had to settle for fourth place in the 2011 constructors’ championship with Nico Rosberg and Schumacher slumping to seventh and eighth in the drivers’ contest.

What followed after November was a revamp of the technical team with big names Bob Bell, Aldo Costa and Geoff Willis all arriving and helping raise expectations.

ìThe F1 W03 is a car I believe, and hope, our team can be proud of, and which will deliver the on-track results that everybody has worked so hard to achieve,î said team principal Ross Brawn.

ìNotwithstanding the distinctive nose design, which is certainly an acquired taste, the car is an elegant interpretation of the current regulations, and a clear step forward over its predecessor in terms of detail, design and sophistication.

"Last year we produced a very bold car and, although its more radical elements didn’t always deliver the results we had hoped for, the experience we gained has been invaluable to the 2012 design.

"This car is also a more integrated package, and demonstrates that our Silver Arrows works team is taking the next step forward in terms of on-track performance."

The new car has already been tested in the opening winter tests at Jerez earlier this month and got a second run on the circuit in recent days ahead of the year’s opening Grand Prix in Australia.

Rosberg said that he felt confident that the changes made to the car will reap benefits over the course of the season. ìIt looks good, and is very nicely packaged under the bodywork. All the parts are in harmony, which reflects how well the different departments of our team are working together,î he said.

ìFrom the beginning of our running, we have been able to focus on understanding the car and making good progress with our test programme.

"It will be very interesting to learn more about where we stand in the next few weeks."

Seven-times former world champion Schumacher, 43, has had a tough time of it since coming out of retirement two years ago.

But ahead of the new season the German appears to have gained in confidence. "I have done quite a few roll-outs and launches of new cars, but even after all these years, I must say it still feels special,î he said.

"Days like these are precious moments, as they are always filled with hope and anticipation.

"When we drove the car for the very first time, it instantly gave us good feedback and sensations.

"We will work intensively to make it a competitive runner. For my part I am eager to fight again, I am looking forward to the new season, and I can’t wait for it to begin."

The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be the fourth race of the season taking place on April 20-22.