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Formula One
F1: Schumacher - My Hunger For Racing Is Back
Michael Schumacher said he signed a deal with Mercedes GP for the next three seasons because his hunger for racing is back...
SPEED Staff  |  Posted December 23, 2009   Charlotte, NC
Mercedes GP confirmed Wednesday that Michael Schumacher will make his racing return in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
Michael Schumacher said he signed a deal with Mercedes GP that will return him to a Formula One cockpit for the next three seasons because his ‘hunger for racing is back’.
Check out photos from the career of Michael Schumacher. (Photos: LAT Photographic)

Shortly after the deal was announced for the seven time World Champion to return in 2010, Schumacher said in press release on his official website that he’s excited about the prospect of returning and being teamed with countryman Nico Rosberg on a team with roots in his home country.

“I don't want to deny at all that the idea of a German F1 team extremely tempts me,” Schumacher said. “I guess every German driver would feel this way. And of course it plays a major role that I again can work together with Ross at Mercedes GP. Above all, however, my old hunger for racing is back.”

After a comeback attempt this past summer as a substitute for injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari was thwarted by a lingering injury, Schumacher said it was his old friend and the man that helped direct him in his seven titles, Ross Brawn, who helped motivate his decision to return.

“In Abu Dhabi, when Ross asked me if I could imagine returning to F1, I felt that I wasn't ready for it,” Schumacher said. “But only two weeks later, when he called me once again, I realized that my old passion was returning. Suddenly I was on fire again. For me, the imagination to be back in a F1 car and to compete for the world championships is exciting and extremely inspiring.”

Schumacher also said that he had yet to sign a contract with Ferrari to continue in a role as consultant and the team he concluded his career with was more then gracious.

“That is why my thoughts initially go to Ferrari,” Schumacher said. “I'm very pleased that the split-up goes off that harmoniously and that we are still on friendly terms with each other. I would really like to thank Luca di Montezemolo and the whole Ferrari team big time for the time we spent together and for giving me the opportunity to leave Ferrari in friendship. It's such deeds that make up a true friendship, as even though the contract has not yet been signed, we had promised each other to further cooperate by shaking hands. I will always carry a big part of Ferrari in my heart and I will never forget the sympathy and passion of the 'tifosi'. They supported my all over the world with their devotion - thank you very much for that!”

He also added that he has none of the same physical concerns that stopped his comeback earlier in the year.

“Physically, I feel absolutely fit,” he said. “I already realized in summer how fast I achieved my former performance values by exercising specifically. And ever since, I kept on exercising. My neck is absolutely free of complaints. I can now do the same neck work-out as I did when I was still racing. This wasn't possible in summer because back then only five months had passed since my accident and so my neck wasn't cured completely. In the meantime this isn't a problem any more.”

After a three-year absence, Schumacher said he’s not only ready to compete again, but has the approval of his family.

“There were no bored feelings or something like this,” Schumacher said. “I was doing Karting and Biking without big hassle. Now I am geared up to compete on a serious level again. I know that my change of mind happened rather suddenly and I think it's great that (wife) Corinna appreciates my passion and that she absolutely backs me and my decision. When I told her about my plans, she immediately felt that I am serious about it and she instantly gave her approval.

To put it simply: I'm totally fired up for next year!”
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