Four F1 champions predict exciting year

REUTERS FILE PHOTO

Michael Schumacher is seen driving his Mercedes at speed during February testing.

Paul Logothetis

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MANAMA, Bahrain – Former champions Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and current champion Jenson Button were all smiles ahead of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday.

But things are likely to heat up once the racing gets under way, with one of the most intriguing starting grids in the history of the sport.

Button said in the news conference Thursday that he believes it will be an "electric" season and, if it isn't, "then we're doing something wrong.''

Two-time champion Alonso, the preseason favorite with Ferrari, is a contender. He added a championship that includes seven-time champion Schumacher "has more value.''

But Schumacher believes title race won't be more difficult just because several teams are in the running for the title.

Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes GP are all expected to challenge for the championship after finishing preseason testing closely.

"It doesn't really make a difference because in the end it is just you against one other driver that you have in front of you that you have to focus (on)," Schumacher said Thursday. "More teams and drivers? It changes the picture, yes.

"Does it make it more difficult? No. I don't think it makes a real difference."

During preseason testing last month, Schumacher talked down the German team's chances of victory on Sunday. That didn't change Thursday as Schumacher focused on the season of results and not the opening race, where Mercedes is bringing a major upgrade to its car.

"We hope it's big enough," the German said of the technical boost. "We'll find out."

Schumacher, who returns after three years in retirement, is putting familiar rivals like Alonso and Button on the same playing field as the ones he hasn't yet raced against, such as Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

"When I arrived to Formula One my biggest expectation was far off from what I did because I didn't think I would be able to play in the same playing field. When I arrived, I understood that they all come from the same water we all do," Schumacher said.

"They're all humans with special abilities, that I have. So I will work very hard on (the details), and so will the other guys, which is why I respect (them), and expect a tough fight."

Hamilton and Vettel have openly talked about the thrill of racing the record seven-time champion, who said lining up against Vettel had piqued his interest.

"It's more the driving, the challenge, whoever it is there is no particular one," Schumacher said. "I have some that I hold closer, like Sebastian, some good moments together ... we have a good relationship."

Teammate Nico Rosberg believes he can compete with F1's most successful driver.

"My aim is to look good compared to my teammate," Rosberg said. ``It doesn't make a difference in terms of making my life harder and easier" being teammates with Schumacher.

"For sure I have a lot to gain this year because it is the first time I have a real competitive car. I look forward to it."

More videos from Wheels.ca and our partners