Schumacher looks back at the Australian GP - 7th March 20:04pm GMT

The initial frustration passed quickly. Naturally Michael was not exactly enthusiastic after the first race of the season, in Melbourne, ended so suddenly. The champion was forced to retire after a collision with Nick Heidfeld’s BMW-Williams. However, after analysing the images he agreed with the opinion of the race officials that the clash had been a normal racing incident.

“It’s absolutely correct”, declared the seven time world champion on leaving the paddock in a good mood last night. Until the next race, in Malaysia, he will be on holiday with his wife Corinna.

Michael had mixed feelings after the Australian GP. On the one hand he was not too pleased at not scoring any points: “I am almost certain that I would have overtaken Klien and this would have given me two points”. On the other hand, he was very surprised at the competitiveness of the F2004M right from the start of the season: “everybody knew that Renault were very good. It was clear after the winter tests and so I wasn’t surprised at all”, declared Michael. “But to be completely honest, I thought we would have been much further back. The fact that Rubens, from eleventh, ended in second, is the proof that last year’s model is still very competitive. This gives me a good feeling for the next few races. I thought we would have been less competitive”.

His optimism, though, is a little tempered: “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. 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”.

After the tiring training to prepare for the new season and the first race, Michael cannot wait to spend a few free days with his wife. He expects a draining season and so such breaks are very important. Malaysia’s warm and humid climate will make it one of the toughest races in the calendar for Ferrari.