Thanks, Schumi, for getting me back-on-track!

I vividly remember the last race of the 2006 season in Brazil which was incidentally Michael Schumacher’s last race as well. A couple of races back he had already announced his retirement from Formula 1 to great disappointment – heartbreak, actually - of his millions of fans all around the world. A first podium finish at the Brazilian GP was crucial for him to win his 8^th Championship Title - and end his career like a champion, a status he lived and loved holding and defending! But this was not to happen as the situation which unfolded at Sao Paolo was highly improbable. He was required to finish first with Fernando Alonso ending up with no points absolutely at the race! Unfortunately, as the fate would have it, Schumi encountered an engine failure which forced him to start at P-10, followed by a tyre puncture which made it clear that he was not to end at the podium. Still, he battled hard with his trademark determination and managed 4^th position. Though his team mate Felipe Massa won the race and Fernando Alonso got crowned as the 2006 Champion, the season-ender was overshadowed by the gloom that the world was never to see the greatest of the car racers Michael Schumacher on a race track ever again. There was huge heaviness in every heart, mine included.

Michael Schumacher’s retirement ensured my staying away from my favourite sport as well. Formula 1 did not seem and feel the same anymore.

Three years passed since then and in those seasons I simply – sort of – dragged along watching F1 races, following my ritual of noting down the details and results in my Formula 1 diary. Ferrari - and Formula 1 - without Michael Schumacher looked devoid of all colours. But before the 2009 season ended, the world had the Good News: The King of Formula 1 Michael Schumacher was to race again!

Today, at the Bahrain GP, the season opener of 2010 F1 calendar, watching Schumi race in his new team Mercedes-Benz’s whites gave a bit of an unusual feeling – a mixture of ecstasy and a bit of agony. I was extremely happy to see him back on tracks but at the same time not seeing him in his “signature” red made the race a bit colourless. The only “red” connection he had was with his red helmet! … I know that soon I will get used to seeing him in his new team’s whitesJ

Though Schumi ended his first comeback race at 6^th position, watching Formula 1 seemed complete again! Just the feeling that amongst those 24 racers was racing my Hero along side gave a massive satisfaction and made the whole event worthwhile again, after three full years.

Now, I am waiting for Michael Schumacher to quickly get adjusted to the tracks and make podium his permanent place post races! That he will once again display his “winning instincts” and become the 2010 Race Champion, and defend his titles in many years to follow, I am 100% sure!

I just wrote this to say: Thanks Schumi, for getting me back-on-track!