Rejuvenated Schumacher ready to savour ‘silver arrow’

A FULLY-RECHARGED Michael Schumacher is itching to get behind the wheel of a Formula One car again.

As part of his preparation for his comeback with Mercedes GP after three years in retirement, Schumacher tested a GP2 development car for three days in Jerez last week.

Ominously, the 41-year-old has admitted it was as if he had never been away such was the exhilaration and rush he felt.

Now Schumacher cannot wait to savour the Mercedes ‘silver arrow’ that will take to the track for the first time in Valencia from February 1.

Although often stating he would never return to F1, the desire and hunger are back, and that spells danger for his rivals this year.

“After my retirement at the end of 2006 I was very happy,” said the seven-times champion.

“I felt relieved, freed. I enjoyed that feeling because in my final two years especially, F1 had demanded a great deal from me.

“Not the racing, which I loved all the time, but all those things which relate to living under constant observation.

“It served me extremely well to be quiet for those three years. It really is as if my batteries are fully loaded.

“My energy is completely restored. I can really notice how the prickle is returning, and how motivated I am because I am so much looking forward to this competition.”