Schumacher arrives late in Bahrain

Mar.11 (GMM) Michael Schumacher was among the last formula one drivers to arrive in Bahrain ahead of the 2010 season opener.

While most of his 23 track rivals were already at the Sakhir circuit on Wednesday afternoon, the 41-year-old German was just touching down in a private jet with his wife Corinna.

His first engagement of the weekend is a breakfast meeting with the press on Thursday.

According to the seven time world champion, however, Bernie Ecclestone will not mind his late arrival.

Schumacher told the German magazine ‘Stern’ that the F1 chief executive would have seen “dollar signs in his eyes” when he heard about his decision to return to F1 this year with Mercedes.

Also missing in Bahrain on Wednesday was Jenson Button, in nearby Abu Dhabi to receive his Laureus Breakthrough award, while Brawn GP – now Mercedes – took the team prize.

“I like that — 30 years old and I’m a breakthrough sportsman,” Button grinned.

Ross Brawn, meanwhile, was at Buckingham Palace to receive his OBE from the Queen.