Schumi - I had ruled out return

Schumacher: Comeback

Related links

Teams

• Mercedes GP

Also see

• F1 forum
• Live coverage
• Bet now with Sky Bet

Michael Schumacher has revealed that his decision to make a Formula One comeback goes against a promise he made himself 12 months ago.

The seven-times World Champion is currently making preparations for the new season, having announced shortly before Christmas that he is emerging from a three-year retirement to race for Mercedes GP.

At 41 years old, the German will easily be the oldest driver on the grid this season - Schumacher admitting that he ruled out any return upon turning 40 in January 2009.

However, his attempt to race for Ferrari during the summer as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa - a neck injury subsequently ruling him out - together with the chance to link up with Ross Brawn once again at Mercedes prompted the change of heart.

"When I turned 40, I actually ruled out making a comeback for good," Schumacher told Germany's Bild newspaper.

"I was more bored than frustrated at all of my recent visits to races.

"But then there was that situation in the summer and then Ross Brawn's enquiry in November."

Target

Schumacher, who has a three-year agreement with the team, also re-iterated his target of claiming an eighth title.

"We have a clear aim in our long-term plan and that is for me to become world champion with Mercedes GP," he said.

"Maybe it won't happen immediately in the first year, but it is a realistic aim over the three years."

Schumacher has been gearing up for his comeback this week by testing a GP2 car at Jerez in Spain.

Although admitting his neck felt a bit sore after testing the car, Schumacher appears to have kept himself in shape during his time away from the cockpit.

"That is down to the excellent care from my wife Corinna," he quipped. "She keeps me young and fit.

"Somehow, I seem to have managed to make myself look a bit younger than I am. Maybe I have good genes."