While the sceptics claim that he might not even see out the season, Michael Schumacher says he is highly motivated and, ahead of the start of the European season, fully up for the challenge.

While some have always said that in returning to F1 the German was on a hiding to nothing - damned if he succeeded, damned if he failed - his critics, particularly in the British media, have revelled in his less than auspicious start to the season.

However, ahead of the start of the European season, the Mercedes driver insists that updates to his car and a growing familiarity with the new rules have boosted his confidence.

"The European season is about to kick off and now we will see how our developments look in relation to those of the other teams," says the seven-time champion on his website. "Every team will come to Barcelona with a revised car and so of course do we. I see a lot of potential here especially as our team has been reacting very well over the past four races. We have worked on general improvements to the car, as well as specific developments in downforce and efficiency, and I am confident that we have room to make further progress in the future.

"Our step forward in Barcelona will be bigger than you can make at each race during the flyaways," he adds, "but it would not be realistic to expect us to suddenly be competing right at the front.

"I am hoping for a better race in Barcelona than I had in China and of course I would not mind having had better results so far. However the good news is that after three years away, I am feeling extremely motivated. So I am clearly ready to take this challenge!"