Jan.31 (GMM) Michael Schumacher believes it was "logical" for Fernando Alonso to recently nominate him as the major challenger for the 2011 title.

Some insiders and pundits have played down the seven time world champion's chances of success on his return to F1, particularly after a mixed performance in the wake of his three-year retirement in 2010.

But Schumacher told Bild newspaper that Alonso's prediction was not empty flattery.

"Fernando knows how to count and that things are going better and better, with the curve clearly on the up at the end of last season.

"He also knows that we have been working on our new car for a long time, so I think it's realistic for him to put Mercedes on the bill," said the 42-year-old.

Schumacher was also asked about the latest rumours surrounding Sebastian Vettel, including claims he is eyeing a future tie-up with either Ferrari or Mercedes.

"Purely hypothetically," answered the German, "it would be unreasonable if Mercedes didn't try to figure out if Sebastian wants to be with us in the future."

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version