Ross Brawn admits he is excited about the prospect of Michael Schumacher returning to Formula 1 after nearly three years in retirement – and is “convinced” the German is still quick enough to win races.
Schumacher is set to deputise for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari from the next race at Valencia onwards, provided concerns over the strength of his neck are answered satisfactorily.
The seven-time world champion has not driven Ferrari’s current F60 car, has no experience of the Valencia street circuit and will be comfortably the oldest driver on the grid.
But Brawn, who was a pivotal part of the ‘dream team’ that engineered Schumacher’s five consecutive titles in 2000-04, has no doubt the 40-year-old can win at least one of the remaining races if Ferrari gives him a competitive car.
Asked in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport whether Schumacher will be capable of living up to the tifosi’s high expectations, Brawn said: “I’m convinced that he will be.
“I still remember his fantastic final race in Brazil in 2006, a drive of the highest quality.
“Clearly he will have to gain confidence in the car, but I’m certain that if he doesn’t win one of the remaining races of the season it won’t be his fault, but because the Ferrari is not a winner.”
Brawn believes a driver of Schumacher’s calibre will have no great difficulty in adapting to the 2009 cars, despite the major changes introduced this season.
“Formula 1 has not changed that much from a driving point of view,” he explained.
“The most significant novelty that Michael will face is the slick tyres. But this is not a disadvantage because these tyres make the behaviour of the car more predictable.
“It’s true he doesn’t know Valencia, but the simulator will have helped him.”
Brawn was not surprised that Schumacher agreed to return in Massa’s enforced absence.
He believes a sense of obligation to Ferrari – the official reason given by driver and team – was one factor, but also reckons Schumacher jumped at the chance to “enjoy himself” without the constraints of a fully-fledged long-term contract.
“Michael has simply responded to the passion and the feeling of loyalty that he has for Ferrari,” he said.
“It’s a passion which I continue to feel myself.
“For him, after Massa’s terrible accident and confronted with the need that his old team had, it was natural to say yes.
“In my opinion there is also another aspect to take into account: the fact that this is just a short-term commitment.
“I mean, Michael will come back with his usual determination and seriousness, but above all with the intention of enjoying himself.
“Personally, I admit to feeling extremely excited and I can’t wait to see him back at work.”
Brawn added that he hadn’t spoken to Schumacher about his comeback – “I think he’s got enough on his plate, don’t you?” – but has discussed it with Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali.See also:Schu will put on a clinic – EcclestoneMontezemolo: Schu can't work miracles
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