Schumacher encouraged by Mercedes' desire to win
Schumacher was impressed by the high levels of motivation shown by Mercedes GP
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Monday, 11, Jan 2010 10:41
By Adam Leveridge
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has been impressed by the professionalism and "hunger" shown by the Mercedes GP team during his visits to Brackley and Brixworth.
Schumacher announced he would be making a sensational comeback to formula one in December after signing a three-year deal with Mercedes GP.
The German is feeling upbeat and positive about his future with the team, which took both the drivers' and constructors' titles in 2009 under the guise of Brawn GP, and he said he has been surprised by the squad's desire to win.
"I have been in the factory in Brackley now for two days and spent the time to get to know the engineers and the structures a bit better, and I am extremely positive and surprised about how motivated everybody was," Schumacher said on his official website.
"This is a world champion team but it does not seem to be spoilt by success at all; it seems to be hungry for more instead.
"It is important for me to be informed about everything and it was very interesting to get to understand the engineers and their structures and the way they work.
"I was there already around the time of the signature of the contract and learned a lot, now I have seen much more about the team."
Schumacher has also paid a visit to Mercedes' Brixworth factory to meet and greet staff and, while the German felt comfortable with his surroundings, the high levels of motivation and expertise also encouraged him.
"I also was in the Mercedes factory in Brixworth and I have to say that I am very impressed about the high level [of expertise] you see there," said Schumacher.
"In Brixworth the people seem to be highly motivated as well and I find that encouraging, as it perfectly fits my personal mood.
"What I also liked was that you hear a lot of people speaking German there.
"That is nice for once, I am not so much used to that at my work, and I find it quite convenient."
In July 2009, Schumacher's plans to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa were scuppered by a lingering neck injury that was picked up during a Spanish motorbike test in February.
This opportunity reignited his passion for F1 and rumours of a full-time comeback in 2010 surfaced frequently, until the German eventually brokered a deal with Mercedes GP.
This contract has rekindled a formidable partnership between Schumacher and Ross Brawn, as the pair worked very closely together during all seven of his world championship-winning seasons with Benetton and Ferrari.
In 2010, Schumacher will be partnered by countryman Nico Rosberg, who has spent the duration of his F1 career with Williams.