Schumacher crashed out of the Australian GP after 42 laps

Ferrari have started the season with a modified version of their 2004 car and struggled to match the pace of Renault, who finished first and third.

But Schumacher said: "I thought we would have been much further back.

"For Rubens, from 11th, to end second is proof that last year's model is still very competitive, which gives me a good feeling for the next few races."

Ferrari still strongest F1 team

However, the seven-times world champion accepts there is still a lot of hard work ahead for his team in the coming weeks.

"We have to take into account that the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne is not really a track on which you can judge the relative strengths of the different teams," Schumacher added.

"We have always done well here. It is possible that things will be completely different at Kuala Lumpar and so I am a little cautious in forming an opinion."