Schumacher expects to be fast, may race beyond 2012
January 27th, 2010 - 5:40 pm ICT by IANSHamburg, Jan 27 (DPA) Michael Schumacher is convinced he will not be a backbencher on his return to Formula One and doesn’t rule out racing beyond 2012.
“I will not trail the others. Definitely not!,” Schumacher said in an interview with Wednesday’s edition of the Bild daily.
“To become world champion in the first year may be a little optimistic, but it must still be our goal and our motivation.”
Schumacher, 41, retired from racing with a record seven world titles in 2006. The German now returns at Mercedes GP on a contract until 2012.
“It wasn’t my wish (to sign for three years). The idea came from the team which shows their trust. The great thing is that Mercedes believes in me and gives me a chance to have success for three years. But it must not be the end after three years,” he said.
Mercedes presented its team earlier this week in Stuttgart and first tests in the new car are set for Monday in Valencia. It will be Schumacher’s first time in an F1 car since 2006.
The 2010 season starts March 14 in Bahrain.
- Rosberg signs multi-year contract with Mercedes - Nov 10, 2011
- Schumacher vows to 'fight for wins this year and fight for championship' - Jan 28, 2011
- Schumi has lost the edge, says old rival Frentzen - Dec 20, 2011
- Schumacher top overtaker in 2011 F1 season - Dec 25, 2011
- Schumacher returns to F1 with Mercedes - Dec 24, 2009
- I have come back to be No.1 again: Schumacher - Oct 27, 2011
- Alonso delighted over another chance to lock horns with 'special' Schumacher - Mar 09, 2010
- Schumacher vows to be back with a vengeance in Australian GP - Mar 20, 2010
- Rosberg joins Mercedes, Brawn rules out Schumacher - Nov 23, 2009
- Ferrari unveil new F1 car, hope for strong 2010 season - Jan 28, 2010
- Mercedes to unveil new Formula One car next month - Jan 14, 2011
- Schumacher confident of podium finish driving his new F1 car - Feb 02, 2011
- Schumacher remains upbeat despite 10th place finish - Mar 29, 2010
- Webber pips Vettel as Red Bull stay unbeaten in qualifying - May 08, 2010
- Mosley expects strong Schumacher comeback; manager warns - Aug 08, 2009
Tags: backbencher, bild, dpa, formula one, gp, hamburg, mercedes, michael schumacher, motivation, new car, world champion, world titles