F1 return will not be easy for Schumacher

Nico Rosberg believes seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher will find it difficult to return to the fast lane after an absence of four years.

Mercedes, who raced under the Brawn GP banner last season, have already signed Rosberg up for 2010 and speculation is growing that Schumacher will be unveiled as his teammate in the New Year.

Neither Mercedes GP nor Schumacher have confirmed, or denied, the rumours.

Schumacher, who will be 41 on January 3, retired from Formula One in 2006 and Rosberg told the Stuttgarter Zeitung: “It will not be easy for him.”

The 24-year-old added: “When you stay away from Formula One for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the trial sessions again, it is not simple.”

On Wednesday, Rosberg said he would not regard himself as the number two driver should Schumacher sign for Mercedes.

Rosberg finished seventh in this year’s World Drivers’ Championships behind champion Jenson Button.

His highest finish in Formula One was third in the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, when racing for Williams.—Sapa-AFP