Michael Schumacher, confirms his “total convincement” that Mercedes GP has a car “capable of fighting for the championship” and that he hopes “to have an opportunity.”

“I cannot know what the future might bring, but I believe in this team and this is enough challenge for me. I love competition and hope to have a chance to show it,” he declared in an interview in ‘www.formula1.com‘.

The German pilot will be the oldest of the 2010 Formula One season’s grid, and recognizes that “after so much time in the single-seater world, he is aware that there are always fans who follow you and others that do not so much.” “To be able to be in for such a long time, sometimes I had to close up a little and it might just be the same this time,” commented Michael.

The seven-times champion of the world shares ‘box’ with another German pilot, Nico Rosberg, situation that Schumacher considers an advantage because they can communicate in the same language. “I wish the best for him. He is a constructive pilot and it is interesting to have him as a neighbor, since our ‘motorhomes’ are side by side in the paddock,” he explained.

Schumacher clarified that he felt well and that his doctor, Johannes Peil, who attended the test that Mercedes GP performed in the Valencia Circuit, is supervising his evolution.

“He was in Valencia to do me some check ups, as the last one. He wants to make sure that I am totally prepared for the race and obviously, I want to know, too. I am alright and that is the reason why it was not necessary for him to be in Jerez,” he added.