Schumacher in the for the long haul

Michael Schumacher returns to Formula One this year with Mercedes at the age of 41 on a three-year deal.

While Schumacher admits it may take a few races to get up to speed, many of his former rivals have tipped him to be a championship contender from the outset.

Schumacher himself is targeting his eighth world championship and admits that he could remain in the sport beyond 2012.

"It doesn’t have to be the end after three years," he told the Associated Press before reiterating his championship ambitions.

After his long spell as Ferrari advisor following his retirement from racing at the end of the 2006 season, it has been suggested that Schumacher has options to continue with Mercedes-Benz beyond his current three-year driving deal. The driver himself has now made clear that he could well race on beyond his 44th birthday.