Michael Schumacher returns to racing as the 2010 Formula One season roars off the grid on Sunday in Bahrain amid rule changes, new teams and a new points system.
Schumacher, 41, is the biggest name in the sport but must prove in the 19 races that he still has the class, which earned him a record seven world titles before he retired in 2006.
He faces formidable opposition not least from Mercedes GP teammate Nico Rosberg, who is the second part for an all-German line-up.
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The last two champions Jenson Button (2009) and Lewis Hamilton (2008) are the British power of McLaren, Ferrari have two-time champ Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa as their Latino duo, while fancied Red Bull boast 2009 runner-up Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.
Apart from facing one of the most competitive fields in F1 history, Schumacher (and the others) also have to cope with rule changes.
Refuelling is prohibited which will lead to changes in team tactics as pit stops only take place to change tyres. The top 10 on the grid are not allowed to change tyres after qualifying while the other 14 drivers can do so.
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Schumacher’s experience could make the difference, however, and the star is just rearing to get into his silver arrow and go.
“We all want to win. The season will be long and hard, no doubt about that, but I love this fight — it is because of this fight that I came back to Formula One,” Schumacher said on his website.
Mercedes GPwas formed through the acquisition of Brawn GP, which won the constructors’ title last year and the drivers crown from now departed Button.
According to Schumacher, the 2009 success is not a burden.
“The guys have won both titles last year, and now, with Mercedes power on board, they want to repeat this success. Our entire team is extremely motivated, as am I,” said Schumacher.
While finishing ahead of Schumacher will be a big target for many drivers, the real man to beat is the reigning champion Button who has the prestigious number one painted on his McLaren.
“I’m really looking forward to getting into my car on Friday morning in Bahrain and knowing that I’m the world champion,” said Button.
“It’s a responsibility and an honour — but it’s something I’m going to enjoy for as long as I can. I don’t want to lose that number from my car!” However, Button also admitted it was “incredibly difficult to predict the order ahead of the new season (as) there are a number of teams and drivers who appear to be in the hunt.” Ferrari are among them.
The 2008 runner-up Massa is back from life-threatening head injuries he sustained in a crash in Hungary last July, and the 2005 and 2006 winner Alonso seeks a new start at the famed Italian team.
Red Bull are also strong title contenders as the team has looked very strong in testing just like Ferrari, and Vettel seemingly ready for an even better season than last year’s second-place finish.
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is just one man who expects Vettel to deliver the title — and not Schumacher.
Unlikely to be near the top will be the three new teams. Lotus return from a 16-year absence, and Virgin Racing and Hispania Racing Team complete the 12-team line-up.
Hispania have Ayrton Senna’s nephew Bruno Senna and only the second Indian driver in Karun Chandhok. Russia makes its driver debut in Vitaly Petrov at Renault.
South Korea enters the sport when the teams race on the new Yeongam course on October 10. The winner there, like in the other races, will receive 25 points instead of 10 in a changed system in which the top 10 finishers (previously top eight) earn points.
The season action starts in Bahrain where the course has been expanded to 6.299 kilometres. Two rounds of free practice are on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the 49-lap race on Sunday.