Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, reigning constructor’s champions Brawn GP, technical whizz Ross Brawn and the might of German car giant Mercedes-Benz. The ingredients for a stunning 2010 season were all present and correct when the Mercedes GP launched in Stuttgart back in the January.Nine months later, however, and Mercedes's dream has faltered and Schumacher’s comeback is in tatters. Currently tenth in the standings, with just 46 points, the veteran German's fall from grace has led some to question whether he will last the season, let alone be back in the cockpit competing next year. But Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn is confident Schumacher will race in 2011.
“Michael is disappointed, of course,” Brawn told Formula1.com. “Still he is enjoying the challenge very much. He definitely doesn’t come to a race wishing to be somewhere else. He wants to work with the engineers, wants to find solutions and is extremely motivated. He is enjoying racing.
"Of course he’s also a bit frustrated that his performance isn’t better. But I tell you, Michael is a very ambitious person and he didn’t win seven titles because he’s quick to capitulate. What sense would it make at that stage of his comeback to pack in his job? He’s not going to do it - be sure of that!”
Although previously famed for his ability to get the most out of tyres, one of the major stumbling blocks for Schumacher this season has been Bridgestone’s 2010-spec rubber. Although Brawn admits the 91-time Grand Prix winner’s driving style does not suit this year’s Bridgestones, he believes the change to new tyre supplier, Pirelli, next season could help matters.
