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Enlarge Photo File photo of Michael Schumacher of Germany as he stretches during a training session at... Michael Schumacher refused to rule out winning races again this season on Saturday despite hitting a new qualifying low in his Mercedes comeback.The seven times Formula One world champion, now nine races into his return at the age of 41 and after three years in retirement, will start Sunday's European Grand Prix in 15th place.
The German's lowest grid position of the season, following on from a deeply disappointing 13th slot in Canada two weeks ago, was more of a shock to spectators than the man himself however.
With team mate Nico Rosberg qualifying only 12th -- behind teams usually way down the grid -- and complaining about the car's handling on the Spanish street circuit, it was clear the equipment was largely to blame.
"The car has the potential to do it when certain things go together," Schumacher, his performances again panned by some television commentators, told reporters in the Mercedes motorhome.
"Why we don't do it in qualifying is a question we have to answer for ourselves. Once we can answer it then there is reason to believe that we can do much better and even win races this year."
Rosberg, who had set the pace in Friday's first practice, also remained optimistic.
"You don't have confidence in the car because the tyre doesn't behave as it's supposed to and it does unexpected things and you can get snaps and mistakes," he explained.
"But if we do find a solution for this tyre issue that we've been having in the last two races, which should be possible as there's a lot of clever people in the team, there are a lot of possibilities," he added.
SPAIN PAIN
Team boss Ross Brawn said that, apart from the tyre conundrum, Schumacher's car was also pulling strongly to the right whenever the driver braked.
However he was sure the team would fix the problems.
"It's a curious thing but it's the pain that makes the pleasure so much better," said the Briton, who won both titles with Brawn GP last year before they were taken over by Mercedes.
"It's impossible to be consistently at the top and fastest, you just can't do it. So these are the periods where you have to show your strengths and make the right moves...if you can't handle this pain then you shouldn't be involved."
Schumacher, winner of a record 91 grands prix in his time with Benetton and Ferrari, made clear he could and remained in for the long haul.
"Come on guys, I've been around long enough. I've had to deal with much worse pain," he said.
"From my point of view we have a three-year programme. Obviously we thought we would be closer and in a better situation already this year but that's not the case.
"We will have to understand and work our way through, as I did in the past. That's what I'm here for. It's part of the process."
(Editing by Alison Wildey; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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