Michael Schumacher says the imminent debut of Ferrari's new car at the Bahrain Grand Prix could give his world championship defence a big lift. Schumacher has two points from the season's first two races but expects an improvement with the new F2005.
"I'm looking forward to the car's debut - I'm really excited about it," said the seven-time world champion.
"We worked on our goals all week and were able to collect a lot of data. We've got a good basis for analysis."
Schumacher cruised to another world title last season but has found the competition - notably Renault - somewhat stiffer in 2005.
The German failed to finish the opening Grand Prix in Australia and could only manage seventh place in Malaysia.
Ferrari have been racing with a modified version of last year's car but will now wheel out the new model two races ahead of schedule.
"The most important fact is that we are far enough along with the new car to be able to use it next weekend," added Schumacher. "It certainly won't be an easy race for us, but races are seldom easy. I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Schumacher said the team was not panicking, despite the slow start to the season.
"One of the things I've learned from the past is that every Formula One season has its different phases, and this season will be longer than every one before it," he said.
"A lot is still going to happen. That things can change quickly as we're seeing right now - and that with good work you can move up."
MMIX
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