Schumacher confident Ferrari can go up a gear

WORLD champion Michael Schumacher insists he is not worried by his poor start to the Formula One season.

Ferrari's five-time world champion has made a dismal start in the first season since rules were reformed in a bid to make the races more competitive, scoring just eight points from three races so far.

Speaking to Italian daily Corriere della Sera, the German made it clear he was not going to panic even though his three races without a podium finish have left him 16 points adrift of championship leader Kimi Raikkonen.