Michael Schumacher has dismissed the latest rumblings about his commitment to his three-year formula one return.<\/p>\n
After a disappointing comeback in 2010, it was rumoured the seven time world champion’s commitment to completing the contract depended on his form this year.<\/p>\n
And in the wake of the opening three grands prix of 2011, speculation is now re-emerging about 42-year-old German Schumacher returning to retirement at the end of this season — perhaps to make room for Mercedes’ impressive protege Paul di Resta.<\/p>\n
But Schumacher has told the German weekly Bunte that he is still planning to fulfil the three years of his original contract.<\/p>\n
Schumacher said he feels he is “on a mission” to take Mercedes back to the top of the podium, even though he admits “chasing for tenth place is not fun”.<\/p>\n
He insisted however that he expects to be in a much better position soon.\u00a0 “That’s why I’m fighting with Mercedes,” he said.<\/p>\n
Observers, however, have noticed key differences with the Schumacher of the past, and even the winner of 91 grands prix admits that “42 (years old) is not the same as 25”.<\/p>\n
But he insisted: “I will fulfil my three year contract with Mercedes and afterwards work as a representative of the brand.”<\/p>\n
In an interview with Bild am Sonntag newspaper, 25-year-old Nico Rosberg defended his famous teammate.<\/p>\n
“Michael performs at a high level, he is strong,” he said.\u00a0 “His current results do not reflect how good he is.<\/p>\n
“To beat him I have to get everything right — he’s closer than last year,” added Rosberg.<\/p>\n
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