Following claims that the Canadian GP was his worst performance since returning to F1, Michael Schumacher has dismissed his critics saying that their comments are simply to attract attention.

The German was widely criticised for a performance that saw him fighting with the midfield drivers, not to mention dubious clashes with Robert Kubica and Felipe Massa. On the final lap the Mercedes driver, clearly struggling for grip, was passed by both Force Indias leaving him pointless, though the stewards subsequently decided to take no action on the Kubica incident.

Speaking in Valencia, the German was remarkably relaxed and when asked about the criticism replied: "I don't take it seriously. There are different parts in Formula One. One part is show-business, and I cannot take this seriously as a realistic criticism so I put it down to show-business."

Among his critics in Montreal were driver turned commentator Martin Brundle - admittedly a long term critic of the German - and Eddie Jordan, the man who gave Schumacher his first F1 outing and who now works as pundit for the British broadcaster of F1.

"Unfortunately to moan about me sometimes creates a certain attention," said Schumacher, "and that's maybe what was purposely to be achieved. I'd rather not have it, not have to hear about it or answer your question but that's what it comes down to."

This weekend the German is in action on a track where he has never driven before, however, he doesn't feel this will present a problem.

"I am quite happy about myself," he said. "Yes, you make mistakes and probably could have improved with hindsight but all in all I don't think there are many guys around in the world that at 41 can come back after a three-year break and compete at this high level and be pretty much there.

"I haven't lost the knowledge of driving, I know what I'm doing and I think I do that to the best I can. Yes there are moments that you always can improve on and as I did when I was winning 91 races and seven championships, I was thinking about how can I improve and so do I now."

Away from F1, on Sunday, Germany plays England in the second round of the World Cup. Once again, Schumacher is confident, comparing the German football team to his own Mercedes team.

"Even with our improvements we hope to get closer but whether we are already on the same playing field has to be seen," he said, referring to the race, while of the football he added: "Certainly Germany has a much better chance of being on the same playing field as the English team."

Referring to the English members of his Mercedes crew he added: "I'm sorry for the English speakers on Sunday for what they will face and have to go through. It's tough on you."