Schumacher 'confident' of F1 return

26 January 2010

Michael Schumacher has said he is eyeing an end to British domination at Formula One when he returns to the grid this year.

He will join forces with compatriot Nico Rosberg under the banner of German manufacturer Mercedes - who took over Brawn in November - to set up a battle with the Britons.

Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One crown in 2008 with McLaren, but lost it to Jenson Button for Brawn GP the next year.

Button then shocked the motorsport world by joining McLaren, and an opportunity appeared for the German veteran, who was unable to stage a comeback with Ferrari last August following a neck injury.

Schumacher said he is confident of turning the tables on the British duo and adding another feather to his 91 grands prix victories and seven world titles.

At the Mercedes' official presentation in Stuttgart, he said: "We have a world champion team in every sense of the word, and I cannot wait to get into the car for the first time in Valencia (next Monday)."

The 41-year-old added that the title was the only target thanks to Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn's experience and the team's quality.

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