Schumacher: I can win an eighth Formula 1 title

Michael Schumacher is not returning to Formula 1 to make up the numbers - he wants to win an eighth world title and believes he can give Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button a run for their money in 2010.

The German driver, who will be 41 when the season starts in February, has signed up for the Mercedes team in a one-year deal believed to be worth more than £6m. And the driver will be reunited with his mentor Ross Brawn, who masterminded all seven of his world titles with Benetton and Ferrari.

The Mercedes team raced as Brawn GP last season and had a spectacular year as Jenson Button took the world championship and the team won the constructors' title.

Schumacher is obviously hoping for more of the same in 2010. "I have won the title seven times and the team won both titles last year, so what do you expect," he said.

The 40-year-old has been out of the sport for three years but is bullish about his chances. "Now Mercedes are team owners you cannot expect anything else other than the world title. That is what we aim for but we have to deliver and that is our job," he said.

One driver who is looking forward to racing against Schumacher for the first time is 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton. The McLaren driver has never shared a track with the German; he made his debut in 2007, the year after Schumacher retired.

Since then Hamilton has become the biggest name on the circuit, but he may have to relinquish top billing to Schumacher next season. But F1 fans could be in for a treat as the two drivers go up against each other next year.

"It's great to have Michael back in Formula 1," said Hamilton. "He is a legend." ·