Ferrari's [ Images ] new Formula One car has yet to show its full potential despite being a winner after just one race, world champion Michael Schumacher [ Images ] said on Thursday.

"I believe that we couldn't show the true potential of the car and we will have better opportunities," the German told a news conference ahead of Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix [ Images ].

Schumacher gave the new F2003-GA a winning debut in Spain two weeks ago but rivals, particularly championship-leading McLaren [ Images ] who have yet to race their new car, were heartened that the car was less dominant than was feared.

"We were quick enough," countered Schumacher, who said tyres played a big part in that race.

The German said Barcelona [ Images ] is a circuit that showed a car's true potential, particularly in terms of aerodynamic performance.

"If it goes well there, it is supposed to go well everywhere," he said. "I believe we have a very good car that should only go better, not worse."

Schumacher, chasing a record sixth world title this season, is currently second overall, and four points adrift of McLaren's young Finn Kimi Raikkonen [ Images ].