FACTBOX: Motor racing-Michael Schumacher
(Reuters) - Seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher will come out of retirement to race for Mercedes next season after his signing was confirmed by the team on Wednesday. FIRST GRAND PRIX * Schumacher''s first grand prix was with Jordan in Belgium in 1991, as a stand-in for jailed Belgian driver Bertrand Gachot. Despite completing only 500 meters in the race, he made an immediate impression. * He was snapped up by Benetton after that debut, a move that provoked a bitter legal tussle, and scored points in only his second appearance with fifth place in Italy. * Mexico provided the first podium of Schumacher''s career in 1992, and his first win followed later that year in Belgium. Yet he had to wait until Monaco in 1994 for his first pole position. * Won his first of seven titles later that year, going on to triumph in 1995 (also with Benetton), and 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 (with Ferrari). * He retired at the end of the 2006 season. CONTROVERSY * His career was dogged by controversy as well as highlighted by brilliance, the German colliding with Briton Damon Hill to win the 1994 title and trying to ram Canadian Jacques Villeneuve off the track in the 1997 decider. * During the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session the German stopped his car toward the end of the circuit, partially blocking title rival Fernando Alonso, who was on a quick lap at the time. Schumacher was later demoted to the back of the grid for the race. RECORDS GALORE * Schumacher is the only driver to win seven championships in Formula One and he owns many of the sport''s records. |