Haug ensures long-term F1 future for Schumacher

Norbert Haug has dismissed any possibility of Michael Schumacher retiring again at the end of the season.
After three years of inactivity, the seven-time world champion has signed a three-year contract with Mercedes which binds him to the German brand until 2012.

But so far Schumacher has always been overtaken in qualifying and in the race by his teammate Nico Rosberg, and has already accumulated 26 points behind the young German in the championship, he has never managed to qualify higher than seventh position and has obtained the best placing in the race was only sixth place.

When asked if perhaps the former Ferrari driver could decide to retire permanently from the tracks at the end of this season, Mercedes sporting director Haug replied: “It's quite the opposite. Michael is very motivated and is back to stay for many more years,” he told the Bild newspaper.

Regarding Schumacher's chances of extending his record of 91 F1 victories, Haug said: “Yes. As soon as the car is capable of winning, so will Michael. It's not his fault if he hasn't achieved great results so far,” said the German.

“Real fans are experts and know what happened and why there were difficulties.”

However, Haug was keen to stress that his comments are in no way intended to detract from Rosberg's achievements so far, including starting from the front row and podium finish in Malaysia last weekend.

“In the first three races he did the best job he could,” he said.

Andre' Cotta