Schumacher speculation continues

Michael Schumacher's manager has rekindled speculation about a Formula One comeback for the seven time world champion despite Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali ruling out a return this year.

The 40-year-old German had to watch the European Grand Prix from the pitwall due to his lingering injuries, while the Italian team confirmed that struggling Luca Badoer will also race at Spa Francorchamps this weekend. But Willi Weber told Cologne's Express newspaper that Schumacher is still in training, and may soon return to the seat of a F1 car.

"He still wants to drive motorcycles and karts," he said, "and for the recovery from his injuries it could be helpful for him to test again in the old F1 Ferrari. When? It has not been decided."

Some reports claim that Schumacher will definitely not return to replace the injured Felipe Massa this year."I'm happy he is training, but what I can absolutely rule out is that Michael can return this year as a racing driver," team boss Domenicali told the AFP news agency.

Schumacher himself however was non-committal before leaving Valencia late Sunday. "For the moment, I don't have any plans to start another attempt to come back," he told the Telegraph, but added: "I do not want to exclude the possibility that I come back one day. I'm still part of the Ferrari family. You never know what happens. For right now though I have to say: No."

E.A. © CAPSIS International