Germany's seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher admitted today that he had doubts ahead of his historic comeback, but that uncertainty was a secret to his success.
"I always had doubts in myself before, even in the good years," 41-year-old Schumacher, who returns after a three year
hiatus at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix with Mercedes GP on Sunday, told Germany's Stern magazine.
"I think that this is part of the reason for my success - constantly looking for new areas where I can improve."
Following his break, "Schumi" also said he has "found out how to have fun again, something which I had lost."
And in case anyone wondered, the German, winner of 91 Grand Prix in 250 starts, was crystal clear what his goal was
this season: an eighth drivers' title.
"Of course. It goes without saying," he told Stern. "That's why I signed a three-year contract."
Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of the Daimler group and the head of Mercedes-Benz, was also bullish, saying his team had
"probably" the best management, the best drivers and the best engines.
"We've got all the ingredients for a superb recipe. Now all we have to do is cook it right," Zetsche told Stern.
Observers do not necessarily share his confidence, with Schumacher having to contend with a new crop of drivers keen
to teach the German a lesson and send him back into retirement.
Observers do not necessarily share his confidence, with Schumacher having to contend with a new crop of drivers keen
to teach the German a lesson and send him back into retirement.