Schuey 'ready for title fight'

Michael Schumacher says he is “absolutely ready” for the upcoming Formula One season and believes he can fight for the title with Mercedes.

Speaking on his official website, Schumacher also said his Mercedes team was fully motivated to repeat last year’s double world championship success and that he was relishing the fight with the class of 2010.

See the pics of Michael Schumacher in pre-season testing

When asked if he was ready to fight for the title, Schumacher said: “Absolutely, yes. This is what I am here for and I am confident we can play a role in this fight. If we win it at the end will be a different question, as always in sports.

“But our entire team is extremely motivated, as am I. The guys have won both titles last year, and now, with Mercedes power on board, they want to repeat this success. We all want to win.

“The season will be long and hard, no doubt about that, but I love this fight - it is because of this fight that I came back to Formula One.”

Schumacher conceded however that the Mercedes was not currently the class of the field and the team would need to improve if it is to challenge for race wins as the season progresses.

"I said it quite clear from the beginning: we do not have to - and probably will not - be in the position to win right from the start,” he said.

“It is important to be close and then use the long season to be at the top at the end. It is not the start which is important; it is the finish."

Twitter - follow autocar.co.ukSee all the latest Mercedes reviews, news and video