Formula 1: Mercedes back Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher, undoubtedly, is one of the best drivers to ever have graced the sport of formula one. Schumacher has been the topic of debate throughout the 2010 F1 Season. His dramatic comeback was seen by many as unnecessary while there was also a feeling among others that the legend still has it in him to give the current lot a run for their money. In the 2009 season, when Felipe Massa was injured in Hungary during practice after being hit by a spring from the car of Barichello, there was great speculation that Michael Schumacher would be making a comeback to step in for his former team mate and help out his old team.
The big comeback was all set, until Schumacher tried to test himself in a formula one car, and an injury which he suffered earlier that year while riding a Moto GP bike restricted him from making a comeback. During the test run he suffered a minor fracture in his neck, and after trying out the F1 car he realized that his neck was still not fit enough to tolerate the throttle of the F1 car. Hence, the much awaited comeback was cancelled much to the disappointment of Schumacher’s fans who had made all the preparations to welcome their hero back, and it was not just the comeback, but the whole situation surrounding his return, the fact that he was there to help out an old friend and his old team was something which added more drama to it.
However, at the end of the season Schumacher was persuaded by another old friend Ross Brawn, to come back to the sport. Brawn and Schumacher have a rich history together. Brawn was at the helm of Ferrari when Michael won most of his world championships, and the prospect of the winning duo coming together was certainly mouth watering, but the sport had gone through a number of changes since the German legend hung his driving boots. Nevertheless, Brawn was confident that he will be able to bring out the best from the champion. In 2009 season, Brawn launched his own team called Brawn GP, after Honda decided to pull out, and proved his mettle when he guided Englishman Jenson Button to his very first world title. Later on, as it usually happens, Button deserted his old team for a better offer and moved on to McLaren. Hence, Schumacher was brought in by Brawn, but before the season Brawn and Schumacher both had warned the fans not to expect wonders form them as it would take some time to get into the thick of things.
The German currently lies in 9th place on the driver standings and after 8 races has been less then convincing. He has faced severe criticism from all around but his team, Mercedes, have come out in his defence.
Mercedes team Chief Nick Fry has said that, there are number of things that people outside the team do not know. All of us have immense confidence in Michael, and are certain the he will come well in time.
Michael fought hard with Massa and Kubica of Renault, His battle with Massa came after a wheel-to-wheel incident with Kubica, which led both drivers skidding off the track on to the grass. That move cost Schumacher dearly, as he had to rethink his race strategy, and had to pit again. He had punctured his right front wheel during the incident, while his team mate Nico Rosberg continued smooth sailing and finished on 6th spot.
Fingers were pointed at Schumacher after the incident, and many said he just does not have the same edge anymore, but Nick Fry is standing firmly behind his ace driver. Fry says he is surprised about how people are targeting Schumacher, as he is a man who has nothing to prove to any one and should be given fair amount of time this season before ruling the 7 time world champion out.
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