Despite having finished no higher than sixth in the first three Formula One races of the 2010 season, Michael Schumacher still fancies himself a contender for the championship. Despite already standing 30 points behind leader Felipe Massa heading into this weekend’s race in China, a defiant Schumacher told The Guardian that he is still very much in the title hunt.

“It’s far from thinking this season is over. The results have not been as great as some people have expected, even myself, but the competition is high,” Schumacher told the newspaper. “If we have quick enough development speed there’s no reason why we cannot fight for the championship. It is such a long season ahead of us. It does need a little bit more time, especially with less winter testing available. But I’m feeling pretty good, I have to say.”

One of Schumacher’s problems in his comeback this season is qualifying — Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg has qualified better than him at every race this season.

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