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F1: Michael Schumacher won't go nowhere, he still has it

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Norbert Haug has played down suggestions that Michael Schumacher's return to formula one might be short-lived.

Prior to coming out of a three-year retirement last month, the seven time world champion inked a contract with Mercedes tying him to the German marque until the end of 2012.

But Schumacher, 41, has so far failed to outpace his younger teammate Nico Rosberg, lags his German compatriot in the drivers' table by 26 points, and has yet to qualify higher than 7th or better his 6th place finish in Bahrain.

When asked about rumours the former Ferrari driver might not see the end of his three-year commitment, Mercedes' competition director Haug answered: "It's quite the contrary.

"I know that Michael is highly motivated and wants to make his comeback for the long term, with long term success," he is quoted as saying by Bild newspaper.

When asked if Schumacher is able to add to his record tally of 91 grand prix wins, Haug added: "Yes. As soon as the car can do it, so can Michael.

"The fact that he has not had better results so far is not his fault," the German said.

Seven time champion Schumacher, 41, retired early in Sepang with a missing wheel nut, but 24 hours earlier he was outqualified for a third consecutive time by his teammate Nico Rosberg, who went on to achieve Mercedes' first podium of the season.

Haug insisted that his comments do not detract from Rosberg's achievements so far. "In the first three races he did the best job possible," he said of the 24-year-old.

Meanwhile, F1's new generation is convinced that Michael Schumacher still has what it takes to succeed in formula one.

2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton is convinced the great German will soon be back on the pace.

"In a very short time he will be an extremely difficult opponent for all of us," the Briton said in the German press.

Rosberg, 24, told Bild newspaper: "I have the strongest teammate in formula one. If I'm equal with him at the end of the season, it will be a success for me.

"It was always clear he would take a few races, as he's been gone for three years, which is a damn long time," the German added.

And when asked by Spain's El Pais in Malaysia to name the best current drivers in F1, Fernando Alonso replied: "It's hard to say.

"Hamilton, Kubica, Vettel, Massa, Schumacher." But when asked if he thinks any of those five are quicker than him, the Spaniard answered: "I think not."
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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