Although many have said that lap times set during pre-season testing are not a true indication of form, Mercedes GP put in a very strong showing in the final outing at Barcelona.Schumacher set the fastest time seen at the Spanish circuit in the dry, prompting some speculation that the team has made a massive step forward.
And the seven-time World Champion believes that step may have put them right behind Red Bull Racing.
"I am looking forward to it (the Australian GP) after winter testing," the German told Autosport.
"Mercedes has done a huge step forward with this year's car, it is a very performance-orientated car and it has paid out
"This weekend it is up to us to prove it, and we have a good opportunity to prove good things.
"Nevertheless we should not overestimate things, and see the truth - and that is that Red Bull Racing is most likely the team to be beaten.
"I think we are going to play an important role just behind that.
"And whoever is behind that group, I see Ferrari, Renault look good, Williams look good, McLaren is not to be forgotten because I expect them to be stronger than they were in testing, and us - this is the pack that I see a good opportunity that we might be able to fight for that position to be the second fastest."
Asked whether a podium finish would be possible, he said: "That is the nature of being behind Red Bull that you might be jumping on the podium."
Source: Planet-F1
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