Michael Schumacher Back In Formula One With Mercedes GP

Posted by Geronimo Boosh on December 23, 2009 · Leave a Comment

A fired-up Michael Schumacher is prepared to place Formula One’s young guns in their place as he goes after an 8th world title next year.

There was a spark in Schumacher’s eye as he declared he was coming out of retirement after 3 years away after signing on with a three-year deal with Mercedes GP, prepared, as he put it, “for some serious stuff”.

Now Schumacher feels like a man born-again, prepared once more to go wheel-to-wheel with Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and his old opponent, Fernando Alonso as he said: “Yes, there will be strong competition, but I am absolutely thrilled to be back, and right in the middle of it. I’m very motivated, thrilled and excited, and that’s what counts.”

Schumacher acknowledges he’s placing his repute on the line, that of a man who won 7 world championships, 91 grands prix, claimed 68 poles and 76 fastest laps – all records – from his 249 races over 16 seasons from 1991 to 2006.

The fabled German takes a firm stand there’s fire in his stomach once more, one that had died out when he made up one’s mind to call it a day at the end of 2006, in spite of a magnetising drive in Brazil on his last outing.

And Schumacher is bent on showing he’s back for the long run, not just a one- season splash around to see if he can still cut the mustard.

In teaming once more with Ross Brawn, the mastermind behind his 7 world championships at Benetton and Ferrari, and with the backing of Mercedes, there’s simply one aim for Schumacher in 2010.

“I never left the race track,” reflected Schumacher on his time away spent on motorbikes, in karting, and as advisor to Ferrari, a team he joined in 1996 and with whom he has such close ties.

“I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006. I lacked motivation and didn’t have any energy. But after three years I have got back all the energy I am feeling right now.

“It has been a tough time leaving the Ferrari family that has been a big part of my career. But after I got the call from Ross in November offering me a Silver Arrow I’m now going to be able to throw around, there is tremendous excitement.”