The momentum behind a possible return to Formula One by Michael Schumacher gathered pace yesterday when Ferrari announced they would not stand in the seven-time champion's way.
The momentum behind a possible return to Formula One by Michael Schumacher gathered pace yesterday when Ferrari announced they would not stand in the seven-time champion's way.
Schumacher has acted as a consultant for Ferrari since his retirement in 2006, a position he would have to relinquish if he took up the reported seven million euro deal to drive for Mercedes in 2010.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said the 40-year-old German's role was "not binding," a statement that removed another obstacle to what would be a dream return not only for new outfit Mercedes and F1 fans but also for the sport's organisers.
Di Montezemolo, in comments on the BBC's website, added: "If he takes another road our agreement will no longer be valid.
"You can't work with a competitor and with us at the same time.
I have still not
spoken to Michael about this. He is only a dear friend, not a team member. He is a consultant for our road cars."
Schumacher was all set to return to the fast lane in August as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari, only for his comeback to be thwarted by the neck injury he sustained in a bike accident in February.
Schumacher's neck injury is now understood to have healed.
