The Brackley-based outfit flattered to deceive in both Australia and Malaysia with strong qualifying performances giving way to slides down the order in the race as the W03 ate up its tyres more quickly in comparison to the cars of rival teams.

Mercedes had vowed to use the break between races to conduct a thorough investigation into the problems and Schumacher is optimistic the situation will be better for the team next weekend.

And although the last of his record 91 wins came at the Shanghai International Circuit in wet conditions in 2006, Schumacher is aware his record in China is otherwise disappointing - the German's low-lights include starting from the back of the grid at the inaugural event in 2004, spinning out of the race under the safety car the following year and delivering a dismal showing in the wet four races into his comeback there in 2010 - and is therefore targeting a more memorable result this time round.

"I've never had much luck in Shanghai, apart from my win in 2006; however that could change this year," he said.

"In the first two races of 2012, we didn't manage to maintain our qualifying pace in race conditions.

"We've been working intensively on this, so that we can offer our fans a strong performance in China."

Mercedes tyre problems meant they collected just a solitary point from the opening two rounds but Team Principal Ross Brawn is equally hopeful that the team will finally be able to deliver on the W03's undoubted potential in Shanghai.

"On track, we hope that the weekend will prove more successful than the first two races of the season where our race results did not match expectations after a positive start to both weekends," he said.

"A lot of hard work and analysis has taken place back at the factory since our return, and I hope to see these efforts pay dividends next Sunday in Shanghai with a performance which reflects the capabilities of the F1 W03."

Nico Rosberg has yet to get off the mark after two disappointing races and he admitted that in effect his season starts next weekend.

"I have good memories of the Chinese Grand Prix as I was on the podium there in 2010 and led the race last year," the German added.

"For me, China is really the start of the season as the first two races have not gone to plan."