Ecclestone predicts ‘jaw dropping’ 2010 for F1

Bernie Ecclestone is ecstatic that Schumacher is back

Bernie Ecclestone says the return of Michael Schumacher will make 2010 a 'jaw-dropping' season for F1 after a period of negative PR, not the least of which was the departure from the sport of Honda, Toyota and BMW.

Schumacher's comeback with Mercedes, Fernando Alonso's switch to Ferrari and McLaren's pairing of world champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button has left the 2010 title hunt wide open.

"I always said that Formula 1 is a strong brand," Ecclestone told the official F1 website. "It has demonstrated time and again that it can pull itself up by its own bootstraps. And yes, all indications point to a jaw-dropping season. Fans will love it.

"I think it is fantastic for Formula 1 that [Schumacher] turned into a comeback kid. But at the same time I also think that it's good for Michael.

"When drivers have put in many years they sometimes lose focus and motivation – probably that was one of the reasons for his retirement in 2006 – but now he has again put all his strength together and has a 100 per cent motivation level and that will give us many exciting races in 2010."

"Forget about winning races – I have him on my bill for winning the championship," Ecclestone replied when asked if he thought Schumacher would be a winner next year.

"He will be of immense value for the team to push the development of the car. We have all seen in the past that he was never satisfied unless the car was in perfect condition. With his drive for the optimum and his deep technical understanding he will save the team precious time."

"Nico Rosberg will be the one who will directly benefit from all this," said Ecclestone.

He added that confirmation of Schumacher's return had come as no surprise to him.

"I was pretty sure that he would do it if his physical status would allow it," he said. "Now we know the answer."