Mercedes better prepared in second year

Michael Schumacher is confident that Mercedes are far better prepared for their second season in Formula One than they were a year ago.

Mercedes were effectively a team in transition last season after the German manufacturing giant took over Brawn GP at the end of 2009 following their stunning double title triumph.

Despite that solid platform of success, and boosted by seven-times champion Schumacher's decision to come out of retirement, hopes of another all-conquering year never came to fruition.

"We are well prepared," said Schumacher. "All of the hard work over the winter will start to come together over the first few races.

"Then we will know more about the position we are in, and what still needs to be achieved as Formula One never stands still. But I feel very at home with the team after one year of working together."