'I HAVE HIM ON MY BILL FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP'

December 28, 2009

Formula 1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone has predicted a "jaw-dropping season" as "comeback kid" Michael Schumacher takes on McLaren's dream team of Lewis Hamilton and world champion Jenson Button.

Seven-times World champion Schumacher stunned F1 by coming out of retirement to sign a three-year, $30-million (R225-million) deal with Mercedes, a decision expected to spark a surge of interest in the sport in 2010.

"It's fantastic for F1 that he turned into a comeback kid," Ecclestone said, "but at the same time it's good for Michael. When drivers have put in many years they sometimes lose focus and motivation - probably that was one of the reasons for his retirement in 2006.

"But now he has again put all his strength together and has a 100 percent motivation level that will give us many exciting races in 2010.

"I've always said F1 is a strong brand. It has demonstrated time and again it can pull itself up by its own bootstraps. All indications point to a jaw-dropping season. Fans will love it."

Despite turning 41 on January 3, Ecclestone believes Schumacher will be a candidate to wrest the World title off Button when the season starts in Bahrain on March 14.

"Forget about winning races - I have him on my bill for the championship," said Ecclestone. - AFP