Mercedes GP have been very quiet about discussions with seven times world champion Michael Schumacher, refusing to confirm or deny talks, despite team principal recently saying there was "nothing in it ... Michael would have returned to the cockpit for Ferrari, but only temporarily. He has no ambitions to start a new career."

Others are not so sure, with Eddie Jordan declaring recently that the deal is done and Schumacher will be driving. Now Bernie Ecclestone has joined in the fun, suggesting there may be some truth in the rumours.

"I would personally doubt that he's going to make a comeback but, having said that, it's maybe getting a bit stronger than a rumour," said Ecclestone to The Times.

If given the choice between Robert Kubica, Nick Heidfeld or Michael Schumacher, Ecclestone is particularly clear.

"Well you'd have to pick Michael wouldn't you," he exclaimed. "There's no discussion about that. It's the obvious thing. Whether or not this is going to happen, I don't know. If I was Michael I wouldn't do it, but I'm sure he knows he could get the job done."