Hamilton excited by Schumacher return

Lewis Hamilton is relishing the prospect of going head to head with Michael Schumacher next season.

The seven-time Formula One world champion today confirmed his return to the sport after three years in retirement, signing a three-year deal with Mercedes GP.

Hamilton has previously stated his biggest disappointment was being unable to compete against Schumacher in his debut season of 2007.

The German, who turns 41 in 11 days' time, called a halt to his 16-season career at the end of 2006, just a few weeks before Hamilton was confirmed as a McLaren driver for the following year.

But with Schumacher fit, after a neck injury had prevented a return with Ferrari in August, Hamilton cannot wait to take him on.

"It's great to have Michael back in Formula One," said Hamilton, the 2008 world champion.

"He is a legend, a really nice guy, and I am happy for him he has again got an opportunity to do the best job in the world - race in Formula One.

"I used to watch Michael race when I was in the junior categories, and I always hoped I would be in Formula One while he was still around.

"I'm now really looking forward to seeing him on the track and back at the top.

"It's brilliant news, and I wish him my absolute best on his comeback with such a fine team and company as Mercedes-Benz."

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh echoed Hamilton's sentiments on the prospect of seeing Schumacher back in F1.

"I think I share the sentiment of every single Formula One fan across the world by saying Michael's return to the sport is fantastically exciting - and a thrilling prospect for the 2010 season," said Whitmarsh.

"I've no doubt Michael has studiously examined this opportunity from every possible angle, and he's convinced he still possesses the same fearsome drive and determination required to succeed in Formula One.

"Obviously, Michael is a seven-time champion and has absolutely nothing left to prove, so it will be fascinating to see what he can achieve in a new team.

"We now look forward to some terrific racing in 2010."

Schumacher's team-mate at Mercedes GP, Nico Rosberg, now knows he faces a difficult task against his fellow German, but one he is looking forward to.

"It is fantastic Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate," remarked Rosberg, who left Williams to join Mercedes at the end of last season.

"It's a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time.

"I'm sure we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed. It is also great news for our sport and the fans."

For Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, it means a reunion with the man he helped guide to his seven world titles, two with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and five with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004.

"As seven-time world champion, Michael's outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again," remarked Brawn.

"With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth.

"We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at the team is extremely excited about the challenge ahead.

"With the investment and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010."

Schumacher started his career with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport as part of their junior programme in 1990, going on to race in Group C sports cars and DTM.

Norbert Haug, vice-president of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, is now finally thrilled to be working with a driver he first came across 18 years ago.

"In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me one evening," recalled Haug.

"Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice 'It's about time I got into Formula 1.'

"Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to that point and the rest is history.

"Michael has more of everything than every other driver.

"Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started, and Michael knew that.

"We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula One.

"It didn't happen in 1995, it didn't happen in 1998 and it didn't happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010.

"I am very much looking forward to working with Michael.

"Everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our 'apprentice' of 19 years ago.

"That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time."