Mar.14 (GMM) After months of headlines and hype, Michael Schumacher has admitted he will struggle to finish higher than his seventh grid position on Sunday.

"The race will be difficult," said the seven time world champion, after being outpaced all weekend by his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg.

"Overtaking?" the 41-year-old is quoted as saying by La Stampa in Italy. "Possible, but unlikely.

"The McLarens are too fast on the straights and the pace of the Ferraris and Red Bulls is too strong.

"The podium is not an unrealistic dream but it will be very tough," said the German.

Mercedes has pledged equality between Schumacher and 24-year-old Rosberg, but signs that the great German will wield his power are already evident.

Schumacher already plucked the race number 3 from Rosberg, and Britain's Daily Mail reports that he demanded the team "evict his teammate from the side of the garage he had been allocated" upon arrival in Bahrain.

The newspaper said Schumacher has also been given greater freedom than Rosberg in terms of his ability to sign personal sponsors.

"Michael knows what to ask for and he's in the position to ask for it," said Niki Lauda. "I would do the same."

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