Mercedes are hopeful that Michael Schumacher can pick up points at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix to help celebrate the 20^th anniversary of his debut in formula 1 in style.

A fresh faced Schumacher stepped into a formula 1 car for the first time at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, and despite retiring in that race, he picked his first ever race win in the same event the next year and there is high hopes at Mercedes that the lightning-quick spa circuit can help the seven-time world champion pick up some much needed points.

“Our team members have been able to recharge their batteries during the mandatory shutdown period, and we will head to Spa fully motivated for the final part of the season,” said Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

“It will be a special weekend for Michael, who will mark the 20th anniversary of his Formula 1 debut this weekend, which is an outstanding and remarkable achievement. The races at Spa have historically been full of surprises and the weather has mostly played a major role.

“The layout of the circuit should suit our current technical package a little bit better than was the case at the previous two races.”  He added.

“A lot has changed in those 20 years, but one thing has not: the track is still sensational. I just love the great nature of the location and the resulting layout with all the ups and downs.” – Michael Schumacher

Schumacher has come in for criticism this season after failing to land consistent points finishes for Mercedes in their second season in the sport, with former formula 1 driver Niki Lauda suggesting he should step away from the sport once more having come out of retirement in 2010.

Quotes attributed to Schumacher in an Italian newspaper last week suggested he was considering retiring again, although the article has since been taken down and the German has denied speaking to the newspaper, insisting he will carry on next season.

Schumacher insists he is revitalised after the three week summer break and is looking forward to returning to Belgium and a race that holds so many memories for him.

“The race in Spa will certainly have a special touch to it this time, as this is where I drove my first ever Formula 1 race 20 years ago,” he said. “It’s hard to believe that this was such a long time ago.

“A lot has changed in those 20 years, but one thing has not: the track is still sensational. I just love the great nature of the location and the resulting layout with all the ups and downs.

“To me, Spa remains my ‘living room’, because it has been the stage for so many things which have been remarkable for my sporting career. This is why this time I would like to specifically send a big thank you to all my fans for their loyalty and support, which I was happy to receive during those 20 years and also since my comeback.

“Talking about the sporting side prior to Spa, we are all returning from the summer break with fresh motivation and energy, and will try to set an exclamation mark at the Belgian Grand Prix.” He added.

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