The return of two German giants to the Formula 1 paddock has bestowed the upcoming season with a particularly grand sense of occasion.

After a three year hiatus, Michael Schumacher has donned the Nomex once again, returning to the team that launched his racing career and one of the most prestigious names in motoring: Mercedes-Benz.

Speaking at the Mercedes GP launch about the coming season, a confident but understated Schumacher said:

“In 2010, naturally with the great combination of Ross Brawn, Mercedes GP and the experience I have we can only aim for one target – winning the championship” though acknowledging that, “It is very easy to say this, but [it] is very hard to do”

This confidence was backed up ruthlessly at the first test in Valencia where Schumacher’s remarkable pace after only a few laps confirmed that he still has what it takes to figure in the championship fight this year.

Visibly pleased with Schumacher’s scintillating debut in the MGP W01, team principal Ross Brawn noted that "at the moment he is fairly happy with the car, and has not really pinpointed any areas we need to work on," adding “we're all optimistic, and I'm sure he is, that there is still a lot more to come.”

Despite a number of new teams on the grid and traditional powers Ferrari and McLaren showing good pace in testing, it could be that Schumacher’s greatest challenge will come from his own garage in one of the rising stars of the F1 paddock: Nico Rosberg, son of 1982 F1 champion Keke Rosberg.

The German-Finnish dual national first caught the attention of the racing world with an impressive display in the inaugural GP2 series, notching five victories on his way to winning the title from Lotus new recruit Heikki Kovalainen.

Despite flashes of brilliance during his time at Williams, scoring two podiums and showing great tenacity during a frustrating 2009 campaign, it seems now the time is right for Rosberg to step up and show what he is truly capable of.

Rosberg claims the prospect of having a seven-time world champion as a team mate could provide the impetus needed to take his driving to the next level.

"I must say, from my point of view, it (Schumacher’s arrival) has given me a little bit of extra motivation,” he said. "There will be a few things I'll be able to pick up from him as he is one of the best that has ever driven… I can learn from him, which will be great for me and my career."

With the media spotlight firmly fixed on his illustrious team mate, Nico, in his usual approach is letting his driving do the talking and refuses to be drawn into a debate over his rivalry with Schumacher.

“I am also quite strong and I respect people. I'm not too worried [about Schumacher] and in general I'm going to go for it... If I am ahead, great. If I am behind, I [will] need to work harder.”

Come the season opener in Bahrain, Nico Rosberg will be aiming his silver arrow intently on a maiden win and a serious challenge for the title. The question on everyone’s lips is can the ‘apprentice’ upstage the master?

Carmine Moscaritolo