Reigning DTM champion Timo Scheider says the winter break has refreshed him after the stresses of winning a second-straight title.
The Audi driver became the first driver to win back-to-back championships in the German series since Bernd Scheider in 2000-'01, and he says that he's in good shape to challenge for a third consecutive crown.
"After the second title win my batteries were pretty low," said the German. "But at this stage, it's turned into pleasure again. The second title has boosted my mental strength. This affects my self confidence. I kept hearing people say, 'Now you can make history with a third title', and I'm fully motivated for 2010."
Scheider believes that a revised tire compound from Dunlop will play into his hands this year, but he has highlighted three British drivers as threats to his title defense.
"The new tire generation makes you feel a change," he added. "With the stiffer sidewalls on the rear wheels the car handles more calmly in the fast and semi-fast corners, which suits my driving style.
"Within my own ranks I've had very strong teammates for years and in Oliver Jarvis we've got an up-and-coming driver who is hungry for success. From the other camp, Gary Paffett and Paul di Resta will surely be powerful opponents."