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Schumacher will be world champion in 2010

BERLIN - Seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, who has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes, will become world champion in 2010, Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said on Monday.

The German, who retired in 2006 after winning two titles with Benetton and five with Ferrari, will be up against former world champions Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and defending champion Jenson Button.

“If I had to bet on any of them then it is clear that Michael will become world champion,” Brawn told Germany’s Bild newspaper. “Michael is now more relaxed. When he retired in 2006 F1 was a burden for him. Now I can sense his old enthusiasm.” Mercedes, who have taken over champions Brawn GP, have signed Nico Rosberg as their other driver for 2010. World champion Button has left the British-based team for McLaren.

The move to Mercedes reunited 41-year-old Schumacher with Brawn, the technical director who guided him to all his titles.

“I do not think he will come out and win the first Grand Prix. He will need a few races to familiarise himself with the other cars and the many new drivers. Then I hope to see the old Schumacher,” Brawn said.

“This has always been his strength anyway: to learn and adapt amazingly quickly,” Brawn added.

Schumacher, who is not allowed to drive a current Formula One car until the first official pre-season test on Feb.1, spent much of last week testing in a GP2 car.

The season’s opening race is on March 14 in Bahrain.