Mercedes: Schumacher close to return

Michael Schumacher has been at the center of all conversations for several weeks. The return of the seven-time world champion has already caused a lot of ink to flow but it could be that the formalization of an agreement will arrive in the coming days. Indeed, according to the German press, the former pilot Ferrari has given his agreement to join the stable of F1 from the German manufacturer.

Last week, AUTOhebdo took stock of the possibility of Schumi's return to Formula 1 and it now seems that the final obstacles have been removed. “ The signature is no longer just a formality », Reveals a source close to the matter to the newspaper Bild.

The German daily announces that the two parties have reached a verbal agreement. All that remains for the German driver is to obtain doctors' approval to return to Formula 1 in 2010.

« Schumacher feels fit, healthy », Reveals a person close to the matter to Bild. “ The latest (medical) tests were entirely positive. He is now looking forward to making his return and finding Ross (Brawn) to work with him. »

The contract would offer the driver 3,5 million euros next season, but would also tie Schumacher to Mercedes for several years, as an ambassador for the manufacturer.

Sabrina Kehm, spokesperson for Schumi, and Willi Weber, his manager, no longer wish to speak on the subject. “ I know nothing, commented Weber. I didn't speak with Mercedes, I didn't have meetings with them. »

In recent weeks, those involved have not stopped kicking the can down the road. Norbert Haug, boss of Mercedes Motorsport, confessed that he “ could be surprises », before revealing to Bild that “ This choice will please you, as will your readers "(see elsewhere).

More recently, Nick Fry, general manager of the team, was also evasive, not wanting to talk about his team's interest in Michael Schumacher. Fry was content to declare that Schumi's return would be " additional interest » for F1 (see elsewhere).