Brawn Wants Winning Car Present for Schumacher

After a failed return to Formula One last year, it's needless to point out what Michael Schumacher's fans from all over the world wish for their favorite driver in 2011: a chance to fight for the world championship. And while many have sent him this kind of messages for his birthday on January 3rd, his team boss Ross Brawn revealed he already knows what present he has to give his 42-year old driver.

Having struggled with the underperforming Mercedes W01 throughout the 2010 season, Schumacher was not pointed fingers at by Brawn. And speaking to the media earlier this week, the Mercedes boss insisted that his present for Schu would be a better car in 2011, on which the 7-time world champion can show his true worth and shut the critics.

“I haven't thought about any particular present for Michael Schumacher, because I already know what he wants from me: a competitive car,” said Brawn in a recent interview with Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I'm still optimistic because Michael's performances at the end of last season were encouraging. I'm convinced he will go decidedly better this year,” added the Merc' boss.

At 42 years of age, Schumacher will start the 2011 season of Formula One as the oldest driver on the FIA entry list. And that's a situation he will most likely have to get used to in the year to come also, as his deal with Mercedes GP runs until the end of 2013. His goal? Winning his 8th championship crown.

However, many predict that should he not make a big statement in the F1 title fight this season, the German carmaker will consider someone else for the job in 2012. But of course this remains to be seen in the upcoming 12 months.