Fry happy with Schumi's performance

Nick Fry has no concerns about Michael Schumacher's form even though the former World Champ was out-paced by team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Having spent three years on the sidelines, many would consider a sixth place finish to be a good result, but such is the level of expectation when it comes to the German that he has been criticised in some quarters.

However, Fry is not worried about Schumacher's form and has dismissed suggestions that the driver is struggling to adapt to the 2010 tyres.

"Listening to the discussions that are going on within the team, I don't actually detect any great difference in feedback between him and Nico," Fry is quoted as saying by Autosport.

"I think they both know what they want to do to improve the car, and I think they are consistent in their views. There is nothing I have heard that is particular to Michael. But the encouraging thing is that they have got a to do list."

Schumacher himself expressed the view that the tyres in fact aided him, telling The Guardian that, "The race wasn't very hard for me. If you look at the lap times, you can see that we are a lot slower than when I was driving before. That's because of the tyres we have now. It's not possible to push as hard as before, so therefore it's easier for the driver."

In the build-up to the season there was much speculation that team-mate Nico Rosberg was not happy with Schumacher's arrival at the team, a point Fry denies.

"I have been incredibly impressed with Nico's approach right from the moment that he knew Michael was joining the team," said Fry.

"It doesn't seem ever to have particularly fazed him. He has taken it in his stride and although sometimes the focus is on Michael, it doesn't seem to perturb him whatsoever. He has got on and done his job. He has proven again how quick he is, and I think he will continue to improve," he added.

While Mercedes only managed fifth and sixth place finishes in Bahrain, Fry believes that the team can take a lot out of the experience.

"I am very encouraged. I think it is a good team, the drivers seem to work together well and I think we are going away from [Bahrain] knowing we have work to do but far from downhearted. We have plenty of upside potential and that is what counts," explained the Briton.

"It is going to be a long old year, and I absolutely believe that we have the people, and the equipment under Ross's guidance to come out of this very well at the end of the year," he added.

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