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SINGAPOREL Maybe it is not quite like Michael Jordan's first comeback in 1995 with the Chicago Bulls, but as the clock winds down to the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, more and more column inches are being devoted to the return of Michael Schumacher, the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1 racing.
The glare of the TV lights will be at its strongest seconds before the legend shoots off from the grid in his Mercedes GP car, thousands of digital cameras will click in that split second, with the fans in the rich seats all eager to record the moment for history.
Ever since the seven-time world champion announced he was returning to racing last December, excitement has been building in the motor-racing fraternity.
Some have wondered if Schumacher had too much faith in his abilities and was making the wrong decision, but the 41-year-old insists his family is behind his return to high-octane racing.
"I will be doing what I've done for the biggest part of my life, something I think I can claim I am totally familiar with, so no concerns at this end. Not from me, not from my family," Schumacher told MediaCorp earlier this week.
"I retired in 2006 because in a way my batteries were empty, not because I did not like racing anymore, or had the feeling I was starting to get anxious about it.
"Now, my batteries are fully charged again, and so is my hunger for competition."
The return of the King
The Schumacher factor has reportedly boosted ticket sales at many venues of the 19-leg 2010 season.
Fans are excited to see if the oldest man on the grid will be able to recapture the form that saw him claim two world titles at Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and then at Ferrari from 2000 to 2004.
His presence on the grid will mean there are four world champions among the 24 drivers set for battle this season.
Reigning champion Jenson Button will line up with 2008 winner Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, while two-time champ Fernando Alonso (2005, 2006 with Renault) is now wearing the famous scarlet colours of Ferrari, which will forever be linked with Schumacher.
Singapore fans will no doubt be eager for Schumacher to make his first appearance here, when the SingTel Singapore Grand Prix comes round from Sept 24-26.
While the German ace says the race - Grand Prix No 15 out of 19 - is still a long way off, he admits he is looking forward to his first night-race experience.
"I am not even thinking ahead so much. As a racer, you always go step for step, so you care about the next race only," he said. "Saying that, I obviously watched the Singapore race last year and was impressed, as most people were.
"I think it will not be very different to drive in a night race, because the lighting system is so good, you should have a very good sight.
"It probably is like skiing with floodlights, you really see a lot," he added.
Known for his uncanny precision, control and speed, Schumacher is only focused on the battle in Sakhir on Sunday.
In pre-season testing, the Mercedes GP pilot did not show any sign of rust.
He may have been away from racing for three years, but he was often at the top of his time sheets, and there is already talk of a podium finish.
In a chilling warning to the youngsters, Schumacher said: "From pure driving, it seems I did not lose anything. I have always been pretty good in adjusting to new situations." - TODAY/fa
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