Michael Schumacher has given an emphatic 'yes' when asked if he would remain with Mercedes GP next season.
Schumacher's return to Formula One after a three-year lay-off has seen the German dogged more by criticism than by praise, raising questions about whether he will stay on next season, the second year of his three-year Mercedes GP contract.
And the seven-time World Champ is adamant he will continue.
Asked categorically during Thursday's German GP press conference whether he will race for Mercedes in 2011, Schumacher said: "Yes."
The German was questioned about his goals for next season, stating quite clearly that he wants an eighth World title.
"It is what I mentioned the other day - that I officially publicised when I rejoined F1 - which is to win the title. That is my focus and that is what I am here for."
As for the criticism he has faced after only scoring 36 points in the first half of this year's Championship, Schumacher reckons fans and detractors alike were perhaps expecting too much from him in his comeback season.
"Am I perfectly happy with my own performance? That is probably the wrong thing to say," he said.
"There is an expectation out there, but you have to be realistic that it is probably impossible to meet. To be out three years and start where I finished in a car that doesn't allow me do it, is unrealistic.
"I will take my time. I enjoy most of it, this process. There are ups and downs and that is part of motorsport. I am very confident I can achieve it, which is what I am focusing for."
