Schumacher: Motivation still completely in tact

Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher has made a point of stating that he remains fully motivated as Formula 1 returns to Suzuka. Last Friday, it was announced that the seven-time World Champion will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next year.

“My motivation is completely intact after the news last week, especially because Suzuka is one of the season's highlights for me," Schumacher says in Tuesday’s Mercedes press release which previews the Japanese Grand Prix.

“I enjoy the circuit – it has sections that challenge you as a driver like almost nowhere else. Then there are the fans: they love motor racing and it is fun to feel their passion. I'm also a big fan of Japanese food, so I'm always happy to travel to this race.

“Logically, it would also be nice to achieve a sporting highlight this weekend, although my chances are of course very limited because of my grid penalty. But I've always approached these things as a challenge."

Schumacher carries a ten-place grid drop after locking up and piling into the Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Verne last time out in Singapore.