Michael Schumacher failed to make the podium in his first three Formula One starts last season, but he has completely turned his fortunes around this year, making it two wins in two races with victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Now, heading into the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in two weeks, he looks unbeatable on his quest to a seventh world title. But as usual, the German ace expressed controlled caution after Sunday's race.
"We have another tough race top come in Bahrain," Schumacher remarked. "Nobody knows exactly what is going to happen there, what sort of characteristics and who it favors."
But whatever the conditions, it's a fair guess they'll favor Schumacher, who has mastered cool conditions in Melbourne and the blistering heat of the tour's hottest race in Malaysia.
"I think Michael is even stronger than in the past, and I don't know where that comes from," said Ross Brawn, Ferrari's technical director.
Schumacher has the maximum 20 points after two races. Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello trails at 13 and Juan-Pablo Montoya of Williams-BMW has 12.
Starting from his 57th career pole position, Schumacher and his Ferrari finished easily ahead of the field Sunday. Schumacher took his foot off the accelerator to salute his team as he finished 5 seconds ahead of Montoya. It was Schumacher's 72nd career victory.
Last year, Schumacher started with a fourth in Australia, a sixth in Malaysia, and failed to finish the Brazilian Grand Prix before settling down and knocking out Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren-Mercedes to capture the championship in the final race at Japan.
"It is easier to lead rather than have to fight back like last year," Schumacher said. "But it's only two of 18 races -- 16 to go."
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