Schumacher hoping to regain lost touch in Shanghai

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher has said that he is ready to silence his critics after failing to set the 2010-11 Formula One season alight on his return to the sport with Mercedes.

Schumacher has only nine points after three races, but The Sun quoted him, as saying: "The last two races have not been very fortunate for me but I am aware of the reasons for it. Everything is going according to plan."

"You can only improve step-by-step and I am confident that we are achieving this," he added.

Meanwhile, Mercedes owner Ross Brawn is hoping Schumacher can enjoy "a clean race" in China this weekend to silence his critics.

Brawn insists Schumacher is "getting more up to speed with every race".

He said: "Circumstances beyond his control limited his race performance in Melbourne and Sepang. It would be particularly good for Michael to be able to have a clean race and show the progress he has made since the start of the season."