Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher [ Images ] has said that he is ready to silence his critics after failing to set the 2010-11 Formula One season alight on his return to the sport with Mercedes [ Images ].

Schumacher has only nine points after three races, but The Sun quoted him, as saying: "The last two races have not been very fortunate for me but I am aware of the reasons for it. Everything is going according to plan."

"You can only improve step-by-step and I am confident that we are achieving this," he added.

Meanwhile, Mercedes owner Ross Brawn [ Images ] is hoping Schumacher can enjoy "a clean race" in China this weekend to silence his critics.

Brawn insists Schumacher is "getting more up to speed with every race".

He said: "Circumstances beyond his control limited his race performance in Melbourne [ Images ] and Sepang. It would be particularly good for Michael to be able to have a clean race and show the progress he has made since the start of the season."