Lotus boss can't wait for Schumacher return to F1

SEPANG, Malaysia (AFP) - Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes said Friday seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher was an inspiration and his return will provide a burst of power to the sport.

"I think there is a lot of excitement over it. Obviously. It is good for the sport that he is back," Fernandes told reporters.

"He (Schumacher) is the consumate professional. It is great that Schumacher is back. It is great for Formula One. It will be a great season," he added, before leaving for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.

The iconic Lotus name returns to Formula One in Bahrain, with modest ambitions for this year but big plans to seize a future world championship.

The Malaysia-backed team, wrapped in green and yellow livery recalling the marque's 1960s heyday, has been revived by aviation tycoon Fernandes after a 16-year hiatus.

Fernandes said Schumacher would provide plenty of thrills for F1.

"To see a 41-year-old race it gives us hope. I am sure he can perform," he said.

Schumacher ends his three-year break from the sport in Bahrain when he turns out for Mercedes after signing a three-year deal which reunites him with team principal Ross Brawn.

Brawn masterminded all of his previous world drivers' championship titles at both Benetton and Ferrari.

Mercedes took over Brawn GP last year and with current world champion Jenson Button switching to McLaren, Schumacher will race alongside Nico Rosberg.

Fernandes said Bahrain would be a tough race for all teams due to its punishing heat.

"Bahrain is a hard race to start. It is very hot. It is dry," he said.

"It is a baptism of fire. The great thing is anything can happen. If 15 cars crash in the first lap and if it rains who knows."

He added that Lotus drivers Jarno Trulli of Italy and Finland's Heikki Kovalainen were confident they would have a good outing and their moral is high.

"They are both very excited. They are both confident of getting the best of the car but obviously we are quite far away from the front runners," he said.

Asked what are his expectations in Bahrain, he said: "For me personally, if we can finish the race, that will be great. Anything above that is a bonus. 2011 is when we really hope to compete."