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Schumacher eager to tackle young guns
14:45, Dec 23 2009
A fired-up Michael Schumacher is ready to put Formula One's young guns in their place as he chases an eighth world title next year.
There was a sparkle in Schumacher's eye as he announced he was stepping out of retirement after three years away after signing a three-year deal with Mercedes GP, ready, as he put it, "for some serious stuff".
Now Schumacher feels like a man reborn, ready again to go wheel-to-wheel with Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and his old adversary, Fernando Alonso as he said: "Yes, there will be strong competition, but I am absolutely thrilled to be back, and right in the middle of it. I'm very motivated, thrilled and excited, and that's what counts."
Schumacher knows he is putting his reputation on the line, that of a man who won seven world titles, 91 grands prix, claimed 68 poles and 76 fastest laps - all records - from his 249 races over 16 seasons from 1991 to 2006.
The legendary German insists there is fire in his belly again, one that had died when he decided to call it a day at the end of 2006, despite a mesmerising drive in Brazil on his final outing.
And Schumacher is intent on proving he is back for the long haul, not just a one- season dabble to see if he can still cut the mustard.
In teaming up again with Ross Brawn, the genius behind his seven world titles at Benetton and Ferrari, and with the backing of Mercedes, there is only one target for Schumacher in 2010.
"I never left the race track," reflected Schumacher on his time away spent on motorbikes, in karting, and as advisor to Ferrari, a team he joined in 1996 and with whom he has such close ties.
"I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006. I lacked motivation and didn't have any energy. But after three years I have got back all the energy I am feeling right now.
"It has been a tough time leaving the Ferrari family that has been a big part of my career. But after I got the call from Ross in November offering me a Silver Arrow I'm now going to be able to throw around, there is tremendous excitement."
Charnley inspires Wigan triumph 20:45, Feb 11 2012
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Spurs fans show Redknapp the love 20:45, Feb 11 2012
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France/Ireland clash called off 20:45, Feb 11 2012
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England claim narrow Italy victory 18:45, Feb 11 2012
England dug themselves out of a snow-hole in freezing Rome to beat Italy 19-15 with another charge-down try from Charlie Hodgson and Owen Farrell's perfect kicking display. more
Chelsea suffer defeat at Everton 17:45, Feb 11 2012
Steven Pienaar and Denis Stracqualursi struck as Everton piled on the pressure for Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas with a 2-0 victory. more
Late Henry winner rescues Arsenal 17:45, Feb 11 2012
Substitute Thierry Henry marked the final league game of his loan spell at Arsenal with a last-gasp winner to see off Sunderland 2-1. more
McArthur clinches Wigan victory 17:45, Feb 11 2012
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Williams inspires Quins win 17:45, Feb 11 2012
Harlequins returned to winning ways as winger Tom Williams helped orchestrate a 30-23 victory over London Irish which extended their lead at the top of the Aviva Premiership. more
Fleming and Hutchins put GB ahead 16:45, Feb 11 2012
Great Britain moved to within one rubber of a fifth consecutive Davis Cup win under captain Leon Smith after Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins beat Michal Mertinak and Filip Polasek of Slovakia at Glasgow's Braehead Arena. more
Cold snap affects sporting weekend 15:45, Feb 11 2012
The cold snap continued to wreak further havoc with the sporting calendar on Saturday after the npower Championship clash between Peterborough and West Ham was postponed due to a frozen pitch along with a number of League One and League Two matches. more
Rangers ease to win at Dunfermline 15:45, Feb 11 2012
Lee McCulloch grabbed his first goal of the season as Rangers fought back from behind to claim a 4-1 win and deny Dunfermline their first home victory of the season in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. more
