Schumacher looks forward to his return

When the 2010 Formula One season gets underway this weekend in Bahrain it will include a number of new teams, some radical rule changes plus the return of a very familiar face.

Mercedes Grand Prix driver Michael Schumacher of Germany smiles  during a news conference at the Formula One Bahrain International  Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Thursday, March 11, 2010.(AP Photo/ Hasan Jamali)

Seven time world champion Michael Schumacher will hit the track for the first time in three years this Sunday as part of the new Mercedes team.

Despite having virtually every meaningful F1 record to his name, the 41 year old has been lured out of retirement by the chance to drive for the new Mercedes team, with his old mentor Ross Brawn at the helm.

It's because of this potent combination that the team have been installed as one of the favourites to challenge for the title this season.

But despite this Schumacher believes that the race in Bahrain might have come a bit early for them.