After an anti-climatic championship and season of turmoil in 2009, Michael Schumacher’s return has set the stage for one of the most anticipated title fights in Formula One.
But one driver who doesn’t expect the former champion’s return to go entirely to plan is Red Bull’s Mark Webber.
“It’s totally obvious that he’s maybe not like he was, age-wise. That might be something that we might find out if it works against him,” the Australian said.
“But you can never underestimate him, we know that. He’s a very determined guy.”
Schumacher’s comeback puts four champions on the grid, while at least four teams – including Schumacher’s Mercedes GP – are expected to challenge for the title after a season of surprises on the track that fell mostly flat despite Brawn GP’s underdog victory.
Ferrari emerged as the leading contender after February’s pre-season testing, while McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes are all expected to be in the hunt from the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14.
In all, 12 teams will be on a starting grid, with Lotus racing for the first time since 1994 and the Senna name returning to the track.
“There could be five or six teams who are competitive, and it is still all a bit of a guessing game until we qualify on Saturday in Bahrain,” said defending champion Jenson Button, who switched from Brawn to McLaren in January.
“It is great for the sport, and I think it is exciting for the fans of F1, and all of us involved, because we don’t really know what is going to happen.”
Schumacher, a seven-time F1 champ, has returned after three years in retirement and is ready to duel with some familiar foes and others who have emerged during his absence.
Most notably Fernando Alonso, who has been re-energised by his move to Ferrari.
“This is the best car I’ve ever had,” Alonso said.
“When you join Ferrari if you don’t expect a fast car it means there’s something wrong. I was hopeful and it’s always good to confirm that the car works well.”
Teammate Felipe Massa has also chalked up miles as the Brazilian looks to show he’s recovered from a near-fatal crash at the Hungarian GP in July.
Although Schumacher – who finished runner-up to the Spaniard in his final season – said his former team is the one to beat, most of the paddock considers Alonso the favorite as the iconic red car has had few problems in testing.
Button, meanwhile, left constructors’ champion Brawn GP – now Mercedes – to form an all-British lineup at McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton, which gives it the past two champions.
“It’s going good, very good,” Button said. “We’re very open with our opinions and also with our feedback so it’s a good situation to be in.”
Schumacher’s teammate, Nico Rosberg, will also be trying to make his mark as he finally gets a seat in a championship-caliber car after four seasons at Williams. Mercedes’ Silver Arrows cars return to the grid for the first time in 55 years.
Hamilton and Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel will also get their first chance to duel with Schumacher, who said the former Brawn team will unlikely battle for the win at Bahrain but should be there for the season-long fight.
Virgin and Lotus, which has drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen for its Malaysian-backed return after 16 years, are the only two new teams which tested. Hispania Racing Team, formerly Campos Meta, will go to Bahrain with rookie pair Bruno Senna – nephew of three-time champion Ayrton Senna – and Indian driver Karun Chandhok.
USF1 will not be competing after governing body FIA rejected its bid to start racing after the start of the season.
The Australian GP in Melbourne, which normally kicks off the season, will be the second race while Abu Dhabi is set to host the finale on November 14.
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