For Ecclestone, Vettel will be the 2010 ‘champion’

Bernie Ecclestone predicts that Sebastian Vettel will be the winner of the 2010 World Championship. He also admits to being eager for the battle between the sport’s rising stars and the legend Michael Schumacher.

In an interview with the German daily Bild, the chief financier had to answer a simple question: ‘Who will be Schumacher’s biggest rival in 2010?’ and Ecclestone responded: « There are several with Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso… But I’ll say it now: Vettel will be the next world champion. »

Ecclestone sees Schumacher’s return at the age of 41 as a huge challenge for young drivers like Vettel, who is just 22: “Without a doubt, the young ones will want to beat him,” said Ecclestone. “Vettel will make sure of that.”

He also reiterated his belief that 2010 will be an epic season thanks to Schumacher’s return and the strength of the new generation: « I was a little surprised because I didn’t really expect him to drive for Mercedes, but now I’m just very, very happy, » added Ecclestone.

« Schumacher would not come back if he wasn’t thinking about victory. He seems really very motivated to me. It’s perfect for everyone. For the media, for the fans, and for the sponsors, but I can’t express it in numbers. It’s impossible to calculate. »

« Don’t forget that next year, we will have four current or former world champions with Alonso, Hamilton, Button, and Schumacher on the starting grids. I don’t remember the last time that happened. »