Mercedes Grand Prix driver Michael Schumacher has hinted that his return to the pinnacle of Motorsports may last longer than the initial three year contract he has signed with his new national team and that he may well continue racing after 2012.

“The good thing is that Mercedes believes in me and is giving me the chance over 3 years to get success," he told Bild. “But that doesn’t mean that it has to end after three years."

Michael will be almost 44 at the end of his three year term, however he believes that while this year may not see his eighth world crown, however he is confident that the team will be competitive....

"That has to be our target and our motivation," he said.