In F1 rumors always become real. The biggest rumor of Michael Schumacher returning to F1 has indeed become real.
Not only Michael Schumacher will race in 2010, he has a option (probably performance clause) to race for 3 years. Micheal Schumacher has set his goal already to go for the championship. It all boil down to the car the Mercedes is able to give in 2010. Nico Roseberg will give the real measure of Michael Schumacher's competence in his return to F1.
In the interview after his return to F1, he has stated that he decided to make F1 return after the call from Ross Brawn in November end. Ross Brawn says the talk with MS over lapped with the Jenson Button negotiation. Kimi was commenting that Mercedes is going for all German crew. That was 2 month back. So in all probability the preliminary talks were on about MS signing for Mercedes during that time around. It was Kimi's no nonsense approach kept the news under wraps.
Mercedes confirmation removes one vital slot in the driver market and you will soon find some more square in the puzzle get filled up. Nick Hiedfeld confirmation will soon follow. That will close Sauber's slot too.
For me Michael Schumacher return is a pleasant feeling. It brings back the interest in F1 to the older level. The rivalry of the drivers and the team strength is an interesting topic that I would like to debate on once the driver market closes. Even though I don't expect MS to win straight away, if given a car like what Button got in 2009, MS will become unstoppable.
I was surprised with Ferrari going for Fernando Alonso. Alonso made Michael Schumacher's life miserable and openly challenging both Alonso and Ferrari. I was puzzled Michael Schumacher accepted Alonso in the team. But not so. Michael Schumacher may have this secret reason for him to quit Ferrari. I am not saying this is the main reason but this would have acted as the catalyst. And I am sure about that. If Ferrari feels it can forget and do business with Alonso, I feel MS also can decide to remember his old relation with Mercedes. So no ethical abrasion here.
My immediate target for Michael Schumacher is to win at least 4 races and be in podium in another 6 races. I am not expecting him to win championships because teams like Ferrari have started their development abandoning their work in 2009 car. And such teams will have a stronger design in 2010. So 10 podiums is my target. Hope he fulfills my wish.
Dec 30, 09, 12:56