Michael Schumacher is being backed to play his part in a Mercedes revolution that will see the team hit the front in Formula One.
Mercedes motor sport vice-president Norbert Haug was again forced to defend Schumacher after being asked when the seven-times world champion will finally start to deliver on his legacy and price tag in his comeback year.
Schumacher is currently playing second fiddle to team-mate Nico Rosberg when many expected the 41-year-old to be the dominant figure within the marque.
It has prompted speculation Schumacher would again call it a day, but twice within the last month he has confirmed he will see out his three-year deal as he is determined to be a winner again.
For that reason Haug is convinced Schumacher will prove himself to the world again, and in doing so will ensure Mercedes become a top team, rather than being the fourth best as they are at present.
"It will come sooner rather than later," said Haug ahead of what is a crucial race for the German manufacturing giant at their home grand prix.
"He's certainly a very, very quick driver, a very talented driver, a very focused driver.
"So we have a lot of respect. I think all of us in Formula One, here at Hockenheim especially and at this event, we should all be proud he came back.
"He has done a lot for Formula One, he is doing what he loves to do.
"I hope sooner rather than later I'm sitting in a press conference explaining how it happened that he had such a good result.
"It will come, it's just up to us to improve the car, and we are completely composed in the team, working together. Just give us some time.
"We are not yet there, but in the meantime (team principal) Ross Brawn, Mercedes-Benz, Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, these are names that are working together, that know how the business goes.
"I'm not the man to make predictions, but believe me we are going to catch up step-by-step, and Michael will play an enormous role in that process."
Haug's words are a glowing endorsement of Schumacher as a man and a driver, and now it is up to one of the greatest names in the sport to live up to such praise.
It would be too much to expect that to happen this weekend, even on home soil, although there were signs of encouragement in a tricky practice yesterday as Rosberg and Schumacher were fifth and sixth.
A realistic Schumacher, however, said: "It is very clear we are not in position to win this race because as a package we are not yet strong enough to do so.
"But we will fight for the best possible results and if we could manage a podium that would be great for us and our fans. That is what we are aiming for."