Champions tip Schumacher to race again

With Schumacher due to test again for Ferrari at Jerez in Spain next week following his recent outing at Barcelona, Jones and Hakkinen have told this week's Autosport that they think the seven-time champion's decision to test may be evidence that he is getting eager for a return to action.

Jones said: "After nearly a year out of the saddle, I can image him thinking, 'Maybe I'd like to have another go.' It must be just like coming back from an extended Christmas break.

"He used to take a couple of months off at the end of each season, so another few months won't make a big difference. Two or three years might have done.

"It's a win-win situation: Ferrari gains from his expertise and he enjoys it. And you can never rule out a comeback - he might be thinking, 'I'm really enjoying this!' Money won't be his motivation, it will be to prove a point.

"Niki Lauda was out for several seasons and came back and won the title. Michael could do the same."

Hakkinen, when asked whether he believed Schumacher's fast pace in recent testing at Barcelona would tempt him back to racing, said: "Is he missing racing? The answer is probably yes.

"Doing competitive laptimes probably satisfies his feeling and he's happy he is still competitive."

This week's Autosport analyses Schumacher's testing return and what it could mean for the German's future.