Schumi in it to win it

Returning legend

Last updated: 8th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Schumi in it to win it

Schumacher: Title ambition

The season will be long and hard, no doubt about that, but I love this fight - it is because of this fight that I came back to Formula One.

Michael Schumacher
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Michael Schumacher has vowed to be challenging for an eighth world title when he makes his eagerly-anticipated return to Formula One this weekend.

The German driving legend will drive his new Mercedes GP car for the first time in anger in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.

Seven-time world champion Schumacher has signed a three-year deal with Ross Brawn's team, and insists he will not be merely making up the numbers.

The 41-year-old fully intends to be challenging for yet another world title this season despite his advancing years.

"Absolutely, yes," Schumacher told his website when asked if he was ready to fight for the title.

Confident

"This is what I am here for, and I am confident we can play a role in this fight. If we win it at the end will be a different question, as always in sports.

"But our entire team is extremely motivated, as am I."

Schumacher will race alongside Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, after current world champion Jenson Button left the former Brawn GP team to join Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.

Mercedes boss Brawn worked on all seven of Schumacher's title victories whilst at Benetton and Ferrari, and the German now hopes his technical know-how will again do the trick.

"The guys have won both titles last year, and now, with Mercedes Power on board, they want to repeat this success," said Schumacher, who retired in 2006.

"We all want to win.

"The season will be long and hard, no doubt about that, but I love this fight - it is because of this fight that I came back to Formula One."

Schumacher did warn though that any success might not come straight away, adding: "I said it quite clear from the beginning: we do not have to - and probably will not - be in the position to win right from the start."