The return to F1 seven times world champion Michael Schumacher has predictably been a reason for much talk in his motherland, with television audience figures released by broadcaster RTL confirming as much. Michael Schumacher started his 249th F1 race at Sakhir on Sunday as German TV ratings came close to doubling-up those of last year's Australian GP.
An average of 10.5 million viewers - translating to a market share of just under 50 percent - tuned in for the season-opening Grand Prix of 2010 on RTL, which compares with the 5.3 million who watched Round 1 in Melbourne 12 months ago. We did expect upper viewing figures but we never dared to think that they would be that much higher, remarks RTL's Manfred Loppe.
