Red Bull driver Sebastien Vettel says he is delighted that seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is coming out of retirement to race for Mercedes GP next year.
Schumacher, who brought the curtain down on his glittering career at the end of the 2006 campaign, has put pen to paper to a three-year contract with the team run by Ross Brawn.
Earlier this year, neck and back injuries sustained in a motorbike accident in February put paid to arguably F1's greatest driver's chances of deputising for Felipe Massa at Ferrari.
And Vettel told reporters: “I’m delighted that Michael is going to be racing again. He’s got his reasons for making his decision. I just hope that hope that despite his age, he is fit enough for the demands of driving a Formula One car once again.”
After dominating the world of F1 for so long, recording 91 grand prix victories in 249 races between 1991 and 2006, Schumacher is looking forward to taking on the likes of Vettel and the sport’s other young stars and winning an unprecedented eighth World Drivers’ title.
He said: "Yes, there will be strong competition, but I am absolutely thrilled to be back, and right in the middle of it. I'm very motivated, thrilled and excited, and that's what counts."
Schumacher is teaming up again with Brawn, the genius behind his seven world titles at Benetton and Ferrari. And, with the backing of Mercedes this time around, hopes will be high of more success for the 40-year-old.
The bookmakers have put Schumacher level with German compatriot Vettel at odds of 13/2 to win the title in 2010 with 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton the favourite ahead of twice champion Fernando Alonso.
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