Schumacher will be champ in 2010 - Brawn

Seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, who has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes, will become world champion in 2010, Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said yesterday.

The German, who retired in 2006 after winning two titles with Benetton and five with Ferrari, will be up against former world champions Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and defending champion Jenson Button.

"If I had to bet on any of them then it is clear that Michael will become world champion," Brawn told reporters.

"Michael is now more relaxed. When he retired in 2006 F1 was a burden for him. Now I can sense his old enthusiasm."

Mercedes, who have taken over champions Brawn GP, have signed Nico Rosberg as their other driver for 2010. Button has left the British-based team for McLaren.

The move to Mercedes re-united 41-year-old Schumacher with Brawn, the technical director who guided him to all his titles.

"I do not think he will come out and win the first Grand Prix. He will need a few races to familiarise himself with the other cars. Then I hope to see the old Schumacher," Brawn said.

Schumacher, who is not allowed to drive a current Formula One car until the first official pre-season test on Feb. 1, spent much of last week testing in a GP2 car.

The season's opening race is on March 14 in Bahrain.