Haug refuses to categorically deny Schumi rumours

Tuesday 24th November 2009

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug has re-ignited rumours of Michael Schumacher's pending signing after refusing to deny that the German could race for Merc GP next season.

Following Mercedes' buy-out of the Brawn GP team and Jenson Button's defection to McLaren, reports surfaced that the German manufacturer would take an all-German line-up.

This soon led to rumours that Mercedes could pull of a surprise by signing seven-time World Champion Schumacher to partner Nico Rosberg next season.

However, earlier this week, team boss Ross Brawn attempted to put an end to the stories, telling the Bild: "The media are trying to put together a dream.

"Michael would have returned to the cockpit for Ferrari, but only temporarily. He has no ambitions to start a new career."

But despite Brawn's claims - and he is the man who has the final say on Rosberg's team-mate - Haug was coy when asked about Schumacher.

"I think that we have to live with these speculations," he said during Monday's press conference to announce Rosberg's signing. "What Ross pointed out, I think we have to respect that.

"I fully understand that these speculations are ongoing as long as we don't announce who is driving the other car but that's what we have to live with."

Pressed on the issue of whether Schumacher will drive for him next season, Haug added: "When will you ever say categorically anything in F1? Ross made it quite clear and I really have nothing to add."

Mercedes GP chief executive Nick Fry refused to weigh in on the matter. "I've got nothing to add to that," he said. "We are here to talk about Nico Rosberg and we should stick with that subject. Ross has answered the question extremely well."

Your Comments

graham669

"Ross should give his reserve driver the seat, Ant Davidson is very quick and lower cost than others, Mercedes are keeping a tight rein on the purse strings!"

brazza

"why would he risk his life when he already earns a fortune from Ferarri for not driving plus all his endorsements, its all publicity driven to keep his and Mercs profile high after Jenson buzzed off to MacLaren in a typical Ron move. "