Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has tipped new Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher to win the 2010 Formula One world championship, despite sitting on the sidelines for the past three seasons.  

In a championship that promises to be one of the best in decades, with the return of Schumacher, new teams, two champions at McLaren, Fernando Alonso at Ferrari and a charging Sebastian Vettel at a much improved Red Bull Racing, Ecclestone has warned fans of the sport to prepare for a ‘jaw dropping’ fight to the crown.

Speaking in the Mirror, the seventy eight year old has hailed Schumacher’s return as not only being good for Formula One but good for the forty one year old racer as well...

"Forget about winning races, I have him on my bill for winning the championship. He will be of immense value for the team to push the development of the car. We have all seen in the past that he was never satisfied unless the car was in perfect condition. With his drive for the optimum and his deep technical understanding, he will save the team precious time. All the indications point to a jaw-dropping season. I think it is fantastic for Formula 1 that Schumacher turned into a comeback kid. But at the same time I also think it's good for Michael."