Schumacher finished fourth in Korea, Turkey and Spain in 2010

Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn said driver Michael Schumacher has rediscovered his edge.

The German finished ninth in the drivers' championship last season, but the seven-time World Champion was fastest on day two of testing at Jerez.

"It would be a tremendous boost for Formula 1 if he succeeds," Brawn told BBC Radio Northampton.

"We had a quiet year with Michael last year. Now he's looking sharp and he might surprise a few people."

Brawn commented that this will be the season where Schumacher, who said he was "slightly concerned" about the pace of the new Mercedes , showed the quality that brought him two world titles with Benetton and five with Ferrari.

"He's not been involved in the sport for three years, and undoubtedly in that time, certain edges go soft. I think they're sharp again now," stated Brawn.

If we can do a great car then there's no reason why he or Nico Rosberg shouldn't win races Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn

"I've heard the comments that he's tarnishing his image because he's not winning races, but he's loving what he's doing. He's not worried what people think about him."

Despite his success in Jerez, the German used Pirelli's super soft rubber tires and Red Bull driver Mark Webber told Yahoo! Eurosport that Schumacher's pace in testing had been "a little show for Germany".

Brawn, who worked with Schumacher at Benetton and Ferrari before he brought him out of retirement to join Mercedes GP last season, disagreed with that assessment.

"He wasn't showboating [in testing]. We didn't set out to do a low lap time," said Brawn.

"We didn't have a good car last year - we didn't hold up our side of the bargain - but if we can do a great car then there's no reason why he or Nico Rosberg shouldn't win races."

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