The rumored Michael Schumacher comeback is true, as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion will drive for the Mercedes GP in the 2010 season, the team announced today. Schumacher and Mercedes agreed to a three-year deal.
In a statement on his Web site, Schumacher says, "I don't want to deny at all that the idea of a German F1 team extremely tempts me. I guess every German driver would feel this way. And of course it plays a major role that I again can work together with Ross [Brawn] at Mercedes GP.
"Above all, however, my old hunger for racing is back. In Abu Dhabi, when Ross asked me if I could imagine returning to F1, I felt that I wasn't ready for it. But only two weeks later, when he called me once again, I realized that my old passion was returning. Suddenly I was on fire again. For me, the imagination to be back in a F1 car and to compete for the world championships is exciting and extremely inspiring."
Evidently, his neck injury from a February motorcycle accident has fully healed. "My neck is absolutely free of complaints," he says in the statement. "I can now do the same neck work-out as I did when I was still racing."
Schumacher has some history with Mercedes. He got his feet wet racing sports cars with the Mercedes' junior program in 1990 and 1991, and Mercedes then financed his F1 debut with the Jordan-Ford team at the '91 Belgian Grand Prix.
BBC Sport has an extensive video interview with Schumacher if you're looking for more detail.
dougtheeng says:
08:02 AM, 12/23/09
Athletes need to STAY RETIRED. This is becoming ridiculous, fast.
throwback says:
12:50 PM, 12/23/09
Even if they can still compete? Should everyone stay retired or just athletes? My mom went back to work after retiring for a year, she was going nuts being home. Schu is probably driving the wife crazy, or visa versa.
jackson611 says:
02:28 PM, 12/23/09
Schumi has stayed in the racing scene, unlike Jordan and Farve. when those guys left they left. Jordan didn't watch the NBA for almost 2 years after he retired. Schumi is still involved with F1 through Ferrari as a "consultant," and he has competed in and won in the ROC and has been racing karts against the F1 drivers and winning. Schumi is still racing and winning and he will be able to adjust to the new formula very well after simulator work and testing.
SCHUMI ALL THE WAY!