Shovlin has been race engineer for reigning champion Jenson Button back when the Brit was driving for the Brackley based team. Despite the fact that German driver Nico Rosberg was the first to ink a deal with Ross Brawn's team, it seems the Brackley organization is already seeing him as a second driver for the 2010 season.
Why? Well because Ross Brawn named Jock Clear as new race engineer of Nico Rosberg for the duration of the 2010 campaign. Clear has been race engineer for Rubens Barrichello throughout the 2009 season. And that's hint enough that Mercedes expects to sign a much important player for 2010 than Rosberg. The only one still on the market is Michael Schumacher.
With all the rumors about Schu's return, people are already debating whether the German will also return to competitiveness or struggle until he'll find his place. After former F1 champion Nigel Mansell, another F1 ace believes Schu will have no problems reaching the level he used to race at back in 2006.
“His level is that of a seven time world champion. If Schumacher drives again, he will be immediately competitive, because he was the best – on another level,” said Austrian driver Niki Lauda in an interview with Kicker magazine. Back in the 80s, Lauda also decided to return to F1 after a few years off racing and won his 3rd championship crown in career.
Google News