In another amazing twist in the Michael Schumacher formula one return story, it has been reported in a German newspaper that Schumacher has indeed signed a one year deal at Mercedes to race in the 2010 Formula One season along side fellow German, Nico Rosberg, 24, who joined Mercedes last month. The move will reunite him with Ross Brawn, the Mercedes team principal, his former team principle at Ferrari.
Schumacher, who turns 41 on 3 January, will reportedly be paid €7m (£6.2m) to be on the grid when the new season starts with the Bahrain grand prix on 14 March 2010.
Ferrari chairman, Di Montezemolo was not impressed by the shock announcement and said, “last week Schumacher had telephoned him on Wednesday and told him there was “a very, very, very strong possibility” that he would make a comeback.
Montezemolo joked that it must have been Schumacher’s evil twin brother but confirmed that he has released him from any Ferrari consultancy obligations. “The real Michael Schumacher was with us, a Ferrari consultant who many times said he would finish his career with us. But now there is another one that looks like him, a German, same name, same determination and he has decided to do a new career,” Montezemolo said.
“Everyone can do what they prefer and I can understand someone at 41 years of age wants to try again. I like these people but he’s not Michael, he’s another Michael that I personally don’t know. The real one told me he will finish his career with Ferrari so I think it’s possible that the twin, who looks very similar, will drive for Mercedes next year. As a friend I see someone so fit and with determination and it’s good for F1 but as chairman of Ferrari I’m sad.”
Despite Montezemolo’s lack of enthusiasm at the news, there can be no doubt that F1 bosses will be rubbing their hands with glee at this latest development. Michael Schumacher is a legend in the sport, arguably the greatest F1 driver ever and since his departure the revenue the sport has generated has fallen significantly so for the sport in general this can only be a good thing.
Ken Kennedy.
