Michael Schumacher is ready to scrap his way to this year's Formula One world title. The most successful driver in the history of the sport is poised to make his comeback to grand prix racing after nearly three-and-a-half years away. Schumacher has so far delivered mixed messages on whether he feels the Mercedes he will be driving this year is good enough for race wins, starting in Bahrain on Sunday. But the 41-year-old German is adamant he is prepared to battle his way to glory again and add to his seven world championships. Asked if he was ready to fight for the title, Schumacher replied: "Absolutely, yes. This is what I am here for.

India's latest Formula One star Karun Chandhok has thanked supremo Bernie Ecclestone for helping him to fulfil his lifelong dream. Chandhok will become only the second Indian to compete in F1 when he drives in this weekend's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Chandhok last week signed a last-minute deal with Hispania Racing, formerly Campos Meta, whose car has missed all of pre-season testing due to financial problems. Despite an unremarkable record in GP2 over the last three years, Chandhok now finds himself alongside Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton et al.

Motor racing legend Nigel Mansell believes Lewis Hamilton has the edge in the battle of the Britons when the Formula One championship gets under way at Bahrain next Sunday. Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, teams up with reigning champion Jenson Button, the new boy at McLaren, in the most eagerly anticipated season for years. Mansell said: "I'd give Lewis the edge only because he's been there for a couple of years but Jenson will settle down and hopefully prove what a great world champion he is and compete very strongly. "I think they are both No.1s in the same team.

Mikko Hirvonen hopes running first on the road will not prove too much of a hindrance when the Rally of Mexico gets under way on Friday. The Finn won the opening round of the World Rally Championship in Sweden to lead the standings and, as a result, will now be the first man to run on the loose, gravel stages. Running first can be problematic on gravel rallies as the first runner sweeps away the top surface, leaving a smoother, quicker surface for the cars behind. But the Ford ace would not exchange his victory in Sweden for a place further back in the running order. He told wrc.

McLaren is confident of heading into the new Formula One season without any cloud of suspicion hanging over its new car. Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner has confirmed he has asked the FIA for clarification over a slot in the rear wing of the McLaren that reduces drag, and so increases straight-line speed. Horner further suggested Ferrari had joined him in voicing their objections, however, McLaren believe the Maranello marque have so far stayed silent. With the opening practice session of the season in eight days' time in Bahrain, a McLaren spokesman said: "We're very confident our car is entirely legal - and we're not aware of any protest.