Anticipation Builds Over Schumacher F1 Return

LONDON — Rumors continue to gain momentum regarding the return to Formula 1 racing by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, who retired three years ago.

Bernie Ecclestone, commercial rights holder for the grand prix series, said he was "over the moon" at the prospect of a Schumacher return. One of the German driver's chief rivals, Mika Häkkinen, said it "would be a super gift for F1."

Expectations are that Schumacher, 41, is headed for Mercedes GP, the former Brawn GP that won the 2009 drivers and constructors championships. Team principal Ross Brawn previously worked with Schumacher at Ferrari.

Even Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo seems resigned to Schumacher's return to the cockpit in a rival team's car, even though Schumacher continued to work in an advisory capacity with Ferrari and had said he hoped to end his career in racing with the iconic Italian team.

Di Montezemolo was playfully melancholy when he referred to an imagined doppelgänger of the sport's winningest driver: "I think it's possible this twin, another Michael Schumacher, same age, same capability, same determination and spirit, will drive for Mercedes next year."

Schumacher flirted with a return in the summer of 2009 when Ferrari driver Felipe Massa was seriously hurt in a freak accident during qualifying for the Hungarian GP. However, medical examinations determined Schumacher was not fully recovered from a neck injury suffered in a motorcycle crash.

Inside Line says: Schumacher's return would unquestionably provide a surge of interest in F1. Nothing is official yet, but reports suggest Schumacher will be confirmed in early January. — David Green, Correspondent