Michael Schumacher is returning to Formula One after reportedly signing a deal with Mercedes GP for the 2010 season.
It is believed the seven-time world champion has signed for one year alongside compatriot Nico Rosberg and will be paid seven million euros (AUD$11.4 million).
The move will reunite Schumacher with team principal Ross Brawn, who was at the helm during his seven world titles at Benetton and Ferrari.
The 2010 season kicks off on March 14 with the Bahrain Grand Prix, around 10 weeks after Schumacher’s 41st birthday.
The F1 legend retired after the Brazilian GP in October 2006, having won 91 races from 250 appearances.
He was set to fill-in at Ferrari for the injured Felipe Massa this year but was kept out of the cockpit by his own neck troubles.
Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo – who claims to have rekindled Schumacher’s passion for racing last year – is distraught about letting go of an icon of the sport and the brand.
But he admitted with Massa and Fernando Alonso already locked in for 2010 there was little he could do to prevent him signing with Mercedes.
Mercedes has been linked to young-gun Sebastian Vettel but he is contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2012, possibly opening the door for Schumacher to stay on for three seasons if all goes well next year.
His comeback is reminiscent of Niki Lauda who returned in 1982 after two years on the sidelines and went on to win his third world championship in 1984.
Schumacher still has a way to go however, if he wants to take the title of the oldest world champion off Juan Manuel Fangio.
The Argentine won his fifth title at 46 before retiring in 1958.
Bernie must be… “getting excited” shall we say?
Looks like being a FANTASTIC season! I can’t wait to see how Lewis goes against the great man! And Fernando in scarlet… WOW!
Lewis who? :P
Button is the new Lewis, Lewis is the new alonso. I wonder who has a better car this year.
the only way lewis will get in the headlines in 2010 will b if he goes to the beach with his mrs!!! lol. he has no chance against the great 1, alonso in a good car and the push from red bull! look out from ferrari this year because they hav no new car set for release next year so their race team will be strong!!!!
Oh dear! Ferrari fans are not going to be happy.
I hope he does really,really well hee!…hee!
Looks like he now has 11 million reasons not to worry about the G forces on his neck that previously halted his return
11 million! Not bad in these troubled times. Will be interesting to see where he places in the first couple of races. IMO I think he’ll place in top 3 within 3 races.
ha, anti-spam word is jensen…
bloody awesome news – can’t wait for the 2010 season to start. now just have to find a way make a business trip down to melbourne in march.
and for those people thinking that he’s just coming back for the money, do you really think he needs more? 11 million for him is small change…
$11million is less then a third of what he was on with Ferrari…
but all of his success has come with ross brawn, so you know its for the love n not for the cash! the duo recombines!
he was earning 50 million for the last few yrs..i dont think he is coming for the money…
Poor old Nico Rosberg. His first season in a competitive car will be spent invisible.