Mercedes keen to extend contract with Schumacher

Oct 30, 2011, 10:17 GMT

Berlin - The Mercedes F1 team management is keen to extend their contract with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, Ross Brawn said in a newspaper interview published on Sunday.

The team principal told Bild am Sonntag that he could see no reason why Schumacher should be too old to drive for the team in 2013.

The German's contract with Mercedes ends at the end of next year and he would be 44 years old in 2013. 'He is performing well and is improving. If he can compete for victories and podium finishes next year, why should he then retire?'

Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug said it is very easy to speak to Schumacher about a contract extension. 'If he wants to continue driving, we will quickly find a solution.'

The competitiveness of the car will be the main issue for Schumacher and if he has a chance to challenge for an eighth title, it could well be that he will continue racing, prompting Brawn to say: 'If we are successful, it will be difficult for him to stop.'

Both officials see Nico Rosberg continuing with the team. 'Nico believes in the people who work for Mercedes and we believe in Nico,' said Brawn.

Haug is also keen to continue working with Rosberg, even though there are others who are interested in a place in the team. 'But Nico is keen to go forward with the team and we are interested in going forward with him,' he said.

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