Far away from everything other than the sun and sea, alone apart from his wife Corinna and a few friends, Michael Schumacher found the perfect way to prepare for the Malaysian Grand Prix, both mentally and physically. According to Michael, the next race is “probably the hardest on the calendar. Heat and humidity are very high and so it is very important to acclimatise to these conditions, especially from a training point of view.” Michael does not get to Kuala Lumpur until Wednesday. The following day he will tackle some events for sponsors, beginning with a 10.30 press conference at the Pan Pacific Hotel. The world champion will then get to the circuit in the early afternoon.

The past few days have not altered Schumacher’s view of the race in Melbourne. “It was a good race, definitely a promising start to the season, as well as being interesting for the spectators,” said Michael. “In my opinion, its outcome had nothing to do with the new rules. It was a race where the situation changed constantly through an unpredictable series of events like the rain and the safety car. The fact that it did not go our way this time should not be seen in a bad light. It certainly was not because of a lack of competitiveness. That was definitely not the case and it was just one of those things that happens in sport. We have to accept it, that’s all.”

Michael continued his assessment of the Australian Grand Prix thus: “We have to look at the positive aspects which emerged in Melbourne. First of all, our “old” car is still absolutely competitive, both in terms of reliability and performance. We had hoped and thought it would be and events over the weekend proved it. Therefore, we need not have any concerns on that front for Malaysia, even if some people reckoned we could have already introduced the new car in Sepang. Within the team, this has never even been a subject for discussion. Furthermore, I feel it will be beneficial, for a race run in such extreme conditions, to use a car we know so well. Secondly, it is clear that the battle with the competition is getting closer now and we can expect this to produce some great duels. Thirdly, the fact I came fourth means that I won’t be the “course opening car” during Friday’s qualifying in Sepang, as was the case in Melbourne! Finally, I am convinced I have a good chance of winning in Malaysia. It has been something of a tradition there and I will be trying to extend it…”