A fired-up Michael Schumacher is ready to put Formula One's young guns in their place as he chases an eighth world title next year.

There was a sparkle in Schumacher's eye as he announced he was stepping out of retirement after three years away after signing a three-year deal with the Brackley-based Mercedes GP team, ready, as he put it, "for some serious stuff".

Now Schumacher feels like a man reborn, ready again to go wheel-to-wheel with Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and his old adversary, Fernando Alonso as he said: "Yes, there will be strong competition, but I am absolutely thrilled to be back, and right in the middle of it. I'm very motivated, thrilled and excited, and that's what counts."

Schumacher knows he is putting his reputation on the line, that of a man who won seven world titles, 91 grands prix, claimed 68 poles and 76 fastest laps - all records - from his 249 races over 16 seasons from 1991 to 2006.

The legendary German insists there is fire in his belly again, one that had died when he decided to call it a day at the end of 2006, despite a mesmerising drive in Brazil on his final outing.

And Schumacher is intent on proving he is back for the long haul, not just a one- season dabble to see if he can still cut the mustard.

In teaming up again with Ross Brawn, the genius behind his seven world titles at Benetton and Ferrari, and with the backing of Mercedes, there is only one target for Schumacher in 2010.

"I never left the race track," reflected Schumacher on his time away spent on motorbikes, in karting, and as advisor to Ferrari, a team he joined in 1996 and with whom he has such close ties.

"I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006. I lacked motivation and didn't have any energy. But after three years I have got back all the energy I am feeling right now.

"It has been a tough time leaving the Ferrari family that has been a big part of my career. But after I got the call from Ross in November offering me a Silver Arrow I'm now going to be able to throw around, there is tremendous excitement."

© Press Association 2009