Michael Schumacher hungry for another world title

13 April 2012

Michael Schumacher has set his sights on winning an eighth world title after beginning work on his Formula One comeback in Jerez this week.

Schumacher agreed to come out of his retirement from the sport after being convinced to join the Mercedes team by boss Ross Brawn, and the 41-year-old admits he would not have agreed to return if he did not feel he could be competitive.

Schumacher, who has signed a three-year deal with Mercedes, clocked up over 100 laps at the Spanish circuit on Tuesday and Wednesday in a GP2 car.

And the seven-time world champion is convinced he can challenge for honours once again.

"We have a clear aim in our long-term plan and that is for me to become world champion with Mercedes GP," he told Germany's Bild newspaper.

"Maybe it won't happen immediately in the first year, but it is a realistic aim over the three years."

Schumacher had been set to drive for Ferrari last summer, as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa, but a neck injury prevented him from taking his place in the team.

But he admits that the chance to drive in Formula One again reignited his passion for the sport, after he had initially ruled out a return.

"When I turned 40, I actually ruled out making a comeback for good," he revealed.

"I was more bored than frustrated at all of my recent visits to races.

"But then there was that situation in the summer and then Ross Brawn's enquiry in November."

But while admitting his neck did feel a bit sore after testing the GP2 car this week, Schumacher is looking surprisingly fit and not displaying his age which will make him Formula One's oldest driver during the coming season.

"That is down to the excellent care from my wife Corinna," he quipped. "She keeps me young and fit.

"Somehow, I seem to have managed to make myself look a bit younger than I am. Maybe I have good genes."

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