Brawn bullish on Schumacher return

After describing Michael Schumacher’s final race at Interlagos in 2006 as one of his finest, Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn believes that the German star remains as talented and driven as he was at the end of his stint with Ferrari.

While Brawn believes it with take Schumacher some time to get up to speed after four years out of the cockpit, he remains bullish on the German veteran’s championship chances.

"If I had to bet on any of them then it is clear that Michael will become world champion," Brawn told Bild. "Michael is now more relaxed. When he retired in 2006, F1 was a burden for him. Now I can sense his old enthusiasm."

Ralf Schumacher meanwhile has been linked to a possible return to the sport with Stefan Grand Prix. The team does not have an entry into this year’s championship, but is hoping to join the field should one of the new teams fail to make the grid in Bahrain. Ralf Schumacher last raced with Toyota in 2007 before bowing out of the sport.