Michael Schumacher is sure that 2012 has been a major step forward for Mercedes as the season reaches its halfway point.
German sure team have improved despite mixed results
Michael Schumacher has insisted that Mercedes have made a step foward in 2012 - despite the team suffering a torrid home race at Hockenheim last week.
Despite appearing to have a quick car, which makes use of a clever double DRS to increase straight line speed, there have only been the occasional highs for the German manufacturer this year.
Nico Rosberg took victory in China, but, aside from that, the team have achieved just two other podium finishes.
Their home race at Hockenheim was somewhat of a disaster for the team with Rosberg starting in 21st, whilst Schumacher fell from third to seventh in the race.
That inconsistency means that they have fallen behind Lotus in the standings, with Mercedes now the fifth best team in Formula 1, according to the Constructors' standings.
"The race in Hungary marks the beginning of the second half of the season - which means it is time for a half-time analysis," said Shcumacher.
"As so often in life, this is, in my opinion, a question of perspective: if we only look at the points standings, it doesn't seem so good; but if you look a bit deeper, and at certain results, then the overall picture is much better.
"We have taken a clear step forward and already achieved a few highlights."
Despite the seven-time World Champion's optimism, Team Principal Ross Brawn admits that recent performances have not been good enough.
"After our performance peaks and podium achievements in China, Monaco and Valencia, the last month has been tougher and we have not achieved the results that we would have wanted," he said.
"There is a limited amount of work that can be done between back-to-back races but we will work hard to find the necessary improvements. It would be a nice reward to have a strong weekend there before a well-deserved mid-season break for the team."
