Schumacher is back

Seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is back.

The motor-racing legend has signed a one-year contract to drive in 2010 with Mercedes GP, ending three years in retirement.

Schumacher said: "The motivation is pretty straightforward. I got a call from Ross (Brawn, team principal) at the beginning of November asking me to race again, telling me Mercedes were going to be involved. I've never left the race track, and after three years I regained the energy I'm feeling now. After playing around on motorbikes, I'm ready for the serious stuff."

The announcement comes 11 days ahead of Schumacher's 41st birthday on January 3, easily making him the oldest driver in next year's championship.

Schumacher was poised to make a comeback with Ferrari in the summer to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa, but had to back out because of a neck injury which he now insists is not a problem.

"Before giving the final okay, I had to make sure my neck was okay," he said. "It wasn't okay in the summer, but it's had the time to heal completely."

This news finally ends the speculation that has surrounded the German over the past few weeks since the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in early November.

Schumacher was seen in talks with Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche and Brawn GP team principal Ross Brawn in the paddock of the Yas Marina circuit.

Just a fortnight later, Mercedes had taken over Brawn and new world champion Jenson Button was on his way to McLaren.

That further opened the door for Schumacher, the most decorated man in F1 history, with the rumours intensifying.