By Chris Airey

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Born into a Formula One world dominated by the red prancing horse, silver never looked so good.

Being as young and naive as I am, I never got the chance to see the great Mercedes team of the 1950′s, where Juan Manuel Fangio guided the Mercedes Benz W196 to back-to-back world championships – but sadly this was the last time they won the top prize.

Fangio won a joined by Stirling Moss in 1955,  but the team’s sports car effort was withdrawn from the Le Mans 24 Hours that year after one of its drivers, Pierre Levegh, crashed into the crowd killing over 80 people.

Tragedy would scar the German car makers for decades to come as they withdrew from all motor racing competitions and did not return until the 1980′s.

“I am also struggling to see why Michael Schumacher decided to come back as it can only dent his already sterling reputation.”

It wasn’t until 2010 that the Silver Arrow finally took its place back on the starting grid, but it has been far from a return to the glory days.

Mercedes have dived back into another difficult season in F1 after failing to deliver a car capable of fighting at the top end. They aren’t only off the pace of the dominant Red Bull, but they are struggling to stay on the back of the McLaren and Ferrari ahead of them.

I am also struggling to see why Michael Schumacher decided to come back as it can only dent his already sterling reputation. But he has shown his champion fighting spirit and quitting was never an option for him, as it could have been very easy for him to pack it in, especially with the car not being up to scratch.

But what is the problem and will we see an improvement in Singapore?

Their engine is powerful and their Kers system is strong – we saw this at Monza as Schumacher was quicker on the straights then the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton.

I can only wonder if the team maybe haven’t adapted to the new Pirelli tyres as well as the others, but there is always a silver lining.

I don’t think Ross Brawn wasn’t expecting another success story, he was expecting to walk right onto the top spot of the podium – again.

But what he has done is brought a legendary team back to where it belongs, on the asphalt of a Formula One track – and hopefully for many seasons to come.

This weekend, the team embarks on their second ever night race, and realistically podium places are possible.

With Schumacher now finding some form in qualifying, and Nico Rosberg showing some world championship form, it could be a weekend that even Fangio would have been proud of.

Chris will be writing regularly for Formula1Fancast about Mercedes over the next few months.

The Singapore Grand Prix weekend is already underway of course with Lewis Hamilton fastest in morning practice! 

There is also a classic video or two from Singapore for you to enjoy and our in depth preview!

Also, if you fancy a sarcastic look at the world of Formula 1, you should read out latest Talking A Good Game feature.

Finally, if you fancy a free £25 bet on Formula 1 (why wouldn’t you?)  sign up to 188bet here NOW!

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