1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve is sure that, should Michael Schumacher return to the Formula 1 grid with Mercedes next year, the German would experience no problems in being on the pace of his rivals.
With speculation continuing to mount surrounding Schumacher's possible F1 comeback, Villeneuve - who has confirmed that he himself is training to be back in the field - believes that the 7-time Champion would have no issues in returning.
"Obviously, everything depends on the person," the French-Canadian explained to Autosprint. "If you've never been good, then to be experienced is worthless; but he isn't just anyone, he's Michael Schumacher, and he's always done incredible things on the track - that's why I'm convinced he can do those things again. In fact, I'm convinced that, for him, it will be easy."
Adding that Schumacher's neck damage - sustained in a February motorcycle accident and which forced the cancellation of his Ferrari comeback this year - should no longer be an issue, Jacques explained that mental fatigue is more of a worry. "Tiredness, in this sport, isn't physical, it's psychological," the 1996 Williams debutant continued. "At one point you wake up in the morning and feel annoyed for what you have to do - in the end it becomes a bit like going to work, but if you have a break like he has had - a multiple-year break - you don't feel annoyed anymore."
With the likes of no refuelling and narrower tyres next season, 'JV' added that the experience of Schumacher would pay off more than in a season with no rule modifications. "Would I like to get back on the track and dice with him?" Jacques added. "To be honest, I'd like to be back in F1, regardless of whether he is around."
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