Michael Schumacher is the number one target of Mercedes Grand Prix as they look to sign their second driver for the 2010 Formula One season, it has been stated.

The team, which took over the naming rights of Brawn GP recently, unveiled Nico Rosberg as one of their two-man line-up last month.

However, a decision has yet to be confirmed over his partner, although German reports suggest that a verbal agreement has already been secured between Schumacher and Mercedes Grand Prix.

Now, BBC Sport reports that Chief Executive Officer Nick Fry has confirmed that the 40-year-old German, who is a seven-time Formula One World Champion, is the team’s first choice.

He said: "He would be very good for our team. The view from inside Formula One, not just my team, is they all hope it will happen.

"I can’t tell you at this stage [if it will happen], unfortunately. A number of drivers are still available if Michael was to decide not to drive. Then there are alternatives that we would be happy to go with."

Schumacher experienced his first Formula One race at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix and picked up his first victory in the same country the following year.

Sign-up for our newsletter "Discover" to keep up to date with Mercedes-Benz news.