It has been subject to speculation for a long time, but I can confirm it is now true: Michael Schumacher will race in Formula 1 in 2010 for the Mercedes team, after 3 years out.
The 7 time World Champion Schumacher has been in discussions with the Mercedes team for over a month, and has finally signed a 7mill euro, 3 year contract at the new team.
The 40-year-old German will race alongside Nico Rosberg at the new Mercedes team who have completed the German ‘Superteam’ they were looking for.
Schumacher said:
“After a three-year break, I have all the energy again that I was lacking.
“The plan is for me to drive for the next three years.
“My neck is no longer a problem. Over the summer it was too soon after the accident. Now everything has healed.”
Schumi was set to come back half way through last season to replace an injured Felipe Massa, before a neck injury sustained in a motorcycling accident kept him out, although he refused to rule out a future return at that point, saying:
“From now to the end of the year, my neck injury will be healed to the point where I could drive again. I have nothing to prove to anyone, not even myself. I still slightly regret having retired three years ago but there’s no reason whatsoever for me to definitively announce that I will not come back.”
The rumours of Schumi’s possible permanent return to F1 started when his manager Willi Weber confirmed that he had spoken to Mercedes motorsport bosses at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Weber said:
“I know that Michael spoke with Dieter Zetsche and Norbert Haug at the season’s finale in Abu Dhabi.”
Then the rumour strengthened earlier this month when various media sources claimed the deal bringing him to Merc was ‘as good as perfect’.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo more or less confirmed Schumi’s desire to race again in F1 for Mercedes last week, saying:
“The real Schumacher, the one I know, will always remain in the Ferrari family. Then there’s his totally identical twin brother who seems to have the idea in his head to go and race in Formula One with Mercedes.”
Jack Sargeant is the editor-in-chief and designer of An F1 Blog. Follow him on 
Excellent … there’s going to be so much interest in next season now. Going to be great seeing him up against the likes of Hamilton and Vettel and racing alongside Alonso in the Ferrari. I can hear the corks popping at the Ecclestone’s place.
Absoluteiy awesome news.
If you love him, great! and if you hate him tough!
I believe sport needs heroes and villians, just take Drogba for example. Makes for great entertainment. Who can forget the Schumi shenanigans of ’94 ’97 and the parking at Rascasse.
Welcome Home Schumi
I am absolutely thrilled though was gonna’ follow young Senna next season so now I’m torn !!