Schumacher Close To Signing A New Deal With Mercedes GP?

Rumor has it that Michael Schumacher is close to extending his contract with Mercedes GP, contract that expires at the end of the 2012 F1 season.

Michael Schumacher returned last year in Formula 1 after a three years absence and signed a three year deal with Mercedes GP, saying that he has long-term plans in the second stage of his driving career.

But it seems that the deal between the two parties might extend further than 2012, as both the Mercedes GP officials and Schumacher seem pretty close to a contract extension.

Norbert Haug, the Mercedes Motorsport Department Chief, suggested that the contract extension depends only on Schumacher’s will of continuing with the team. Haug said that he’d be very happy to see Schumacher commit future to Mercedes GP, “If Michael wants it [the contract extension] and we can agree on a right price [the wage].”

Michael Schumacher’s manager, Sabine Kehm, talked about the seven times F1 world champion’s interest in signing a new deal. “Of course we are open to discussions, because with the team we feel very good,” said Kehm.

Schumacher will be 43 years old at the time his current deal with Mercedes GP F1 Team expires at the end of 2012 F1 season.