World Champ Michael Schumacher Returns to Formula One

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, the winningest driver in the history of Formula One, has officially announced his return to the sport -- ending a three-year retirement with a newly signed three-year contract to drive for Mercedes that will reportedly pay the German $10 million in 2010.

"Apart from (his experience),'' Mercedes chief executive Nick Fry told the BBC, "we believe he's still got massive skill. ... we really think Michael will take us to the next step.''

The deal reunites Schumacher, 40, with Mercedes GP Petronas principle Ross Brawn, who served as technical director on all seven of Schumacher's world titles (two with Benetton and five with Ferrari).

And judging by the comments from the racing world, few would be surprised if Schumacher comes out of retirement to immediately contend for an unthinkable eighth F1 championship. At the least, he will be a well-needed adrenalin shot for the sport.

"Age will not be a factor in Michael's story,'' 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell told a British newspaper. "It wouldn't surprise me if Michael challenged for another world championship.''

Schumacher's new team -- called Brawn GP before Mercedes bought majority ownership -- won the 2009 driver title with driver Jenson Button, who has left the team for McLaren in 2010.

Schumacher had planned to briefly end his retirement in July when Ferrari asked him to substitute for injured driver Felipe Massa. But after testing, Schumacher said a neck injury he suffered last February in a motorcycle accident had not healed enough for him to withstand the physical demands of the F1 car and the idea was scrapped.

Or not.

Schumacher's competitive ire had been raised and ever since rumors have circulated that he might consider a comeback -- even though his racing resume already includes an unprecedented 91 race wins and 68 poles to go along with his unmatched collection of world championships.

In announcing his plans, Schumacher said he was, "motivated, thrilled and excited.''

As the rest of us should be.

Schumacher's return to the sport creates several interesting and compelling story lines after a season of turmoil and tumult in the F1 executive branch and among its teams.
Can Schumacher, who turns 41 on Jan. 3 and will be the oldest driver on the grid, win a title for a third different team? How will he compete against the youthful champions such as Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button who have carried the sport since he retired? And what happens if Schumacher isn't competitive?

It's all worth watching and that alone is a big boost to F1.

"The thing that's been so interesting is that all of Formula One wants Michael back,'' Fry said.

"He's not just good for our team, he's good for all the Formula One teams. He's good for the sport and will help us build more fans around the world.''

The F1 season begins March 14 with the Bahrain Grand Prix.