Schumacher not ruling out racing return

The seven-time world champion bowed out of the sport following a career that spanned over 16 years, a period over which he broke almost every record available.

Schumacher, who will turn 38 in January, has said multiple times he is yet to decide what he will do now that he has stopped racing.

And although he insists he will not consider a return to action soon, the German has not ruled out the idea in a few years' time.

"Why should I do it?" said Schumacher of rumours linking him to a return to racing in the DTM series.

"For now, in any case, I can only answer this way. Niki Lauda went back to racing in F1. Mika Hakkinen races in DTM, but all this happened after some time.

"I can't say with certainty what I will do in two or three-year's time," the German said in an interview with Swedish journalist Fredrik af Petersens.

Schumacher, however, did rule out helping Ferrari with testing during the 2007 season.

"At the moment I would (bet against testing in 2007)," he said.

The Ferrari driver, whose successes have often been tainted by controversy, admitted his intention was never to make any friends on track.

"I agree with that," he said when asked if he was selfish when driving. "Why should I ever gift anything to anyone when we're on the track?

"To be honest if the other drivers criticize me then it means I've done things the right way."

Three-time champion Lauda, who retired from F1 before returing to win another title, grinned when asked what he thought Schumacher would do next: "Everybody wants to know. He says 'Leave me alone, I'm still at the racetrack. It will take me two or three months to settle down and then I will decide.'

"All these sentimental things you are trying to interpret, they are not there. Speak to him in six months, then he will be different."