Schumacher will push Ferrari

The return of the former seven-time Formula One champion will inspire Ferrari and Alonso to greater heights, according to the team principal Stefano Domenicali.

Michael Schumacher, right, advised Felipe Massa, left, last year but they will go head-to-head this season.

MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO // The return of Michael Schumacher to Formula One will inspire Ferrari - and particularly Fernando Alonso - to greater heights, according to their team principal, Stefano Domenicali. Fans of the famed Italian team were stunned when the seven-times world champion decided to make his comeback after three years out of the sport with the new Mercedes GP team .

After winning five titles in a row with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004 and spending 14 years in all with the team, first as a driver then a consultant, the German was part of their folklore and family. The team turned to him last year as a replacement for Felipe Massa after the Brazilian suffered a fractured skull in an accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix last August, but worries about his neck abandoned that idea.

But as Schumacher now competes for a rival at the age of 41, Domenicali warned that he should beware. Alonso beat him to win the title in 2005 and 2006 before he retired - and could do so again. "Of course, it is right not to forget that what has happened [with Schumacher] has left its mark with the fans, the team," said Domenicali. "Some feelings clearly remain. But now we have to turn the page. We have to show Michael that this is a strong team; we want to win. Michael's return is further stimulus within our set up. It has also triggered new interest and that is good for racing.

"We thought of Michael last year because he is an extraordinary and strong driver, but Fernando and Felipe are able to beat him even if Michael is still very strong. Let's not forget Fernando is the only driver on the track who in his career has beaten Michael to the championship. Sure he can repeat it. "Fernando is a great driver. Talent wise, he is one of the best. This is the right time for him and the team. He is very competitive, he has won two world championships and he wants to win more."

The arrival of Alonso from Renault to replace Kimi Raikkonen has lifted spirits at Ferrari and increased their hopes of a return to the top. They won just one race last season and their fourth place in the constructors' table was their worst result since 1993. But Domenicali said the pairing of Spaniard Alonso and Brazilian Massa was one of the best in Formula One and good enough to challenge McLaren's British duo Lewis Hamilton and the current world champion Jenson Button.

"We have two Latin drivers and it's a gush of fresh air which brings a sparkling, new environment. "This will stimulate teamwork and has a positive impact on the group," he added yesterday at the Wrooom 2010 event, hosted by their sponsors Marlboro in Italy. "They want to win, but they know the rules of the team. Putting the team at the core of everything. As a couple they are amongst the strongest ones in the competition."

Domenicali is excited about the challenge for this season. The new Ferrari, named the 281, will be unveiled at Maranello on January 28, before testing at Valencia on February 1. He added: "Our goals for 2010 are to have a positive year. Last season was a difficult one for various reasons. Clearly our goal is to get back to the highest level of competitiveness. The ingredients are there so that is our goal."

As doubts remain about the participation of some of the new teams in the forthcoming campaign, such as Campos and USF1, Domenicali said they were still in favour of a third driver for teams to make up any shortfall. "We think it could be re-discussed should things go differently, should there be some teams not sturdy as presented by themselves. "A third car could allow Formula One to grow." @Email:[e-mail]