Comebacks

Whatever the 2010 Formula One season holds in the way of drama, scandal, and controversy, there will be one point of genuine interest, and that is whether Michael Schumacher can still cut it.

Schumacher is the ideal yardstick. He retired on top of his game and there was no driver who was physically or mentally more strong. At 41, he will be the oldest driver on the grid, but will still be younger than Fangio when he won four of his championships. Niki Lauda took two years off and won third time out on his return, but that was more than a quarter of a century ago and the sport has become more intense.