BERLIN (AP):

A record seven world championships just wasn't enough for Michael Schumacher. The German announced his return to Formula One racing yesterday, ending three years in retirement to drive for the Mercedes team in 2010. Schumacher, who turns 41 on January 3, said there is no reason he can't win an eighth drivers' title.

"What do you expect?" he said. "I have won it seven times. I'm now with the team that won both titles last year. We have on top Mercedes as a partner and team owner. So you cannot expect anything else than to go for the world championship, and that's what we're aiming for."

Schumacher, who will partner with Nico Rosberg in an all-German team for the 2010 season, said he and Mercedes are in discussions about a deal through the 2012 season.

"We are talking about a three-year deal. It's not a one-off thing," Schumacher said. "We are looking for some continuation."

Financial terms were not disclosed, but Germany's Bild daily - which first broke news of the deal - reported that Schumacher would earn €7 million (US$10 million) under an initial one-year contract.

Schumacher competed in 249 F1 races from 1991-2006 with Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari. He won the F1 Drivers' Championship in 1994 and 1995 and five straight years from 2000-2004. He set records with 91 race wins and several other milestones in the sport which still stand.