Schumacher hopeful of Rosberg push for race victories

Michael Schumacher’s hopes of a chance to challenge for race victories this year improved last weekend in China but thanks mainly to the speed and skill of his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Seven-times champion Schumacher, 42, has struggled to impress in general and beat Rosberg in particular since he returned to Formula One last year after a three-year absence.

But he could now be ready to make a push for the podium finishes that have eluded him. He could even have an outside chance of challenging for the 92nd victory of his record-breaking career later this year.

According to Rosberg, who led last Sunday’s race at Shanghai before fuel shortage problems saw him settling for fifth place, Mercedes have found the key to faster performances in their car.

Had his team not miscalculated their fuel consumption for Rosberg’s car, the son of former champion Keke Rosberg might have gone on to secure his first win.

Rosberg said: “That race really was one of the most exciting that I have ever driven in. Afterwards, it took me some time to let everything sink in because I had high hopes for a good podium result.

“But I can’t blame anybody in the team for having been short on fuel, it’s a lesson that we learn together.”

Rosberg, 25, is 17 years younger than his senior partner, but has shown scant respect for that or his achievements and Schumacher has said he would not have it any other way.

“We race for the same team and we race hard against each other, too,” he said.

“I am delighted for Nico when he has successes.”

Now back in Europe after the long early-season haul across south east Asia, Rosberg plans a welcome break with his girlfriend, family and friends at home in the south of France before the Turkish Grand Prix next month.

He said: “The first thing is to spend time with my family, my girlfriend and my friends over Easter in the south of France.

“I’m planning to do a sprint distance triathlon on the Promenade in Nice with some friends on Easter Sunday and I’m really looking forward to that.”