BIGON Sandbank

Michael Schumacher is still capable of winning races and challenging for world titles, even at the age of 41, according to former world champion Nigel Mansell.

A return to formula one for Schumacher is set to turn from dream to reality, with the seven-time world champion now waiting for the results of medical checks on his injured neck before officially announcing his comeback with the Mercedes GP team.

The German was due to return to the cockpit of an F1 car earlier in the year as a substitute for Felipe Massa, who was injured in an accident during qualifying for the Hungarian grand prix.

But a lingering neck injury, which was sustained during a motorbike test in Spain in February, brought Schumacher’s plans to a halt.

British world champion Mansell is confident that Schumacher’s age won’t prevent him from fighting at the front of the field for wins and world titles again.

"Age will not be a factor in Michael’s story," Mansell told the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

"It wouldn’t surprise me if Michael challenged for another world championship."

Schumacher, who retired from the sport in 2006, is statistically F1’s greatest ever driver.

However, the German has continued consultancy work for Ferrari’s road-car division and has informed his former team that there is a "very, very, very strong possibility" of him making a return to the sport for Mercedes in 2010, alongside his compatriot Nico Rosberg.

The German, who took his 91st race victory in China in 2006, will be 41 in January and will be the oldest driver on the grid should he sign a deal.

"It doesn’t matter what age you are as long as you are professional, committed and focussed," said Mansell, who won his title aged 39 and competed in F1 until he was 41.

"People have written Michael off as over the hill, I look at it differently.

"Michael has tremendous experience and talent, and Mercedes will provide him with a fantastic package. He is extremely fit and we can take his commitment and professionalism for granted.

"For me there is no downside to this. He’s won enough titles, so what does he have to worry about losing to anyone?

"It may take a few races to get to grips with his car, but after that it wouldn’t surprise me if he was to challenge for his eighth title."