Mercedes GP has confirmed Michael Schumacher as their driver for next season along with 24 year old Nico Rosberg who will form an all German team. The deal which could last three years is estimated at US$10 million. The much anticipated move will reunite Schumacher (40) with team principal Ross Brawn, with whom he has secured all seven of his world championships.

“The motivation I think is pretty straightforward,” Schumacher said. “Our aim can only be to fight for the championship. We are talking about a three-year deal, it is not a one-off thing. We are obviously looking for continuity. The call I got from Ross at the end of November concerning the chance to go racing, Mercedes being involved, I felt great. I never left the race track. I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006, but in three years of absence I got back all the energy that I am feeling right now. I played around with motorbikes and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.”