Category: Motorsports

It’s almost 24 hours since Michael Schumacher put pen to paper with Mercedes GP and media outlets the world over have been clamouring for information. One of the first to get an interview with Schumacher was the BBC, that interview has since been uploaded to YouTube and can been seen below, after the jump.

One piece of info which was missing from the Brawn GP statement was the length of Schumacher’s contract. It was understood that Michael had signed a one year deal with Mercedes, however in an interview with Formula1.com, Schumacher confirms he has a three year deal to drive with the Silver Arrows.

Schumacher also revealed plans to stay on with Mercedes after his driving tenure expires, “Regarding the driving, the time frame is three years. There was never any intention to do a one-off. There will be an option after that to be brand ambassador for Mercedes, which would make sense in a way.”

Michael also confirmed that the invitation to race for Brawn took place in November, when the rumour-mill first began to gather momentum. He also revealed that Mercedes’ intention to buy into Brawn GP was known at the time, “At the end of November I got a call from Ross concerning an option to go racing again. Having got that call from him and the information that Mercedes will be involved, that did it.”

The Mercedes GP sponsorship deal with Petronas makes a lot more sense, too, as they clearly would have known Schumacher was coming back.

Formula1.com also has a brief Q&A with Ross Brawn available, so make sure you check that out as well.

Finally, it has been officially announced that Michael Schumacher will make a comeback to Formula One with Mercedes GP. A strong rumour first broke early this morning stating Michael had signed a deal to drive with the Silver Arrows and this has just been confirmed on the Brawn GP website.

Rumours first began about a month ago, after it was revealed that Schumacher was seen in discussions with Brawn and Mercedes officials at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Since then it seems anyone who has anything to do with F1 has piped up to have their say on Schumi’s return.

The move reunites Schumacher and Ross Brawn, a combination that has won seven world championships (two with Benetton, five with Ferrari). In the statement provided via the Brawn website, here is what the two men had to say:

Michael Schumacher: “MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star.”

Michael Schumacher is about to stand on top of the world and start screaming, “I just can’t get enough!” Of course, he can’t get enough of Formula One and now it seems the Mercedes GP rumours are about to come true.

Almost two weeks ago it was reported that Schumi and Mercedes GP had reached a verbal agreement that paved the way for the seven-time world champion to return to Formula One. Overnight the BBC declared that the deal has been signed off by both parties and an official announcement is expected in days.

Schumacher’s deal is believed to be for one year, with options to extend if both parties agree. It is understood Michael will earn £6.2M (AU$11.3M) in 2010.

Now, the big question remains, can Schumacher add to his 91 Grand Prix victories, and, more importantly, can he achieve the ultimate and claim an eighth world crown? His reunification with Ross Brawn, the man who was by his side for all seven of his World Championships, will give Michael confidence to go all out aiming for all out success.

How will Schumacher cope with a number of the sport’s young stars? Will the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastien Vettel be starstruck, or will they simply say, move over old man, you’ve had your turn?

Only one thing is certain, beyond any doubt, the 2010 Formula One season will be fascinating on so many levels.

[Source: BBC & TimesOnline | Thanks to Sean for the tip]

UPDATE 25 January 2010: Mercedes GP Petronas 2010 season launch

Mercedes GP have been quick to pounce on the sponsorship scraps left by BMW’s withdrawal from Sauber by picking up title sponsorship from Petronas, the Malaysian oil and gas giant. That means the simple name of Brawn GP will be replaced in 2010 with the rather long winded Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team.

Quick mockups of proposed livery have been uploaded to the Brawn GP website and a second image can be seen after the jump.

Ross Brawn and Nick Fry can hardly believe their luck, given this time last year they were faced with the very real prospect of having to sack all of their 700 strong staff after Honda quit F1. Of course, we now know the two men were able to take control of the team, saving it from obscurity. Then the fairy tale season that was 2009 happened and now the team has emerged as one of the strongest teams on the grid. And that applies no matter if you’re talking, financially, technically or in regards to tactical ability.

It would seem that only the Schumacher comeback can now complete this stunning transformation. With Nico Rosberg locked in already, Nick Fry has said that Mercedes GP will not be announcing their second driver until early 2010. How much of that is bluster is unknown, but it is worth noting that Schumacher’s 41st birthday is on 3 January. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Anyway, back to this Petronas deal, Brawn, as you’d expect is very chuffed with today’s news, “Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with PETRONAS and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future.”

Brawn continued, “Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and PETRONAS livery at the Valencia test in February.”

The full statement announcing the sponsorship agreement between Mercedes GP and Petronas can be viewed below.

Ooh, it’s getting closer now. Oh yes! Michael Schumacher and Mercedes GP are about to spend the night together to consumate the most eagerly anticipated F1 comeback of all time.

It’s only a few days since Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo gave his approval for Schumacher to leave his advisory role with Ferrari’s road car program. Well, now, good old Luca has come out with this piece of oh-my-god-this-is-actually-going-to-happen-gold, “I hadn’t spoken to him [Michael] since Abu Dhabi but I spoke to him yesterday [Wednesday],” di Montezemolo said, in reference to Schumacher’s F1 comeback.

“He phoned me and he told me that there is a very, very, very strong possibility [of racing for Mercedes-Benz]. Having said that, it is not 100 per cent decided. But that is what he said yesterday morning.”

But, there’s still more!

Schumacher’s personal PR assistant at Ferrari, Sabine Kehm, has left the building. Gee, I wonder where she might be going?

But, there’s still more!

It is being reporter that Schumacher’s manager, Willi Weber, is due to meet Mercedes GP bosses Ross Brawn and Nick Fry in the next few days. Gee, I wonder what they will be discussing.

But, there’s still more!

If you reckon this whole Schumacher watch thing is getting a little bit loopy, just wait until you read Luca di Montezemolo’s evil twin theory.

“A guy called Michael Schumacher told us at Monza he would renew his consultancy contract. And it looked like his career would finish with Ferrari.

“But then there’s another one who looks like him, 40 to 41 years old, German, same name… and he has decided to do a new career. Everybody in life can do what they prefer, and I understand that there is somebody at 41 years who wants to try again. So I think it’s possible this twin, another Michael Schumacher, same age, same capability, some determination and spirit, will drive for Mercedes next year,” di Montezemolo theorised.

[Source: autosport.com & pitpass.com]