De Ferran: Schumacher has plenty to offer

That is the view of Honda Racing's sporting director Gil de Ferran, who thinks that Schumacher should follow his example and return to F1 in a team capacity role.

De Ferran ended his glittering career in the United States at the end of 2003, having won two Champ Car titles and the Indianapolis 500. He moved into television commentary the following year before deciding to take up a job with Honda Racing.

His experiences of being away from racing make him convinced that Schumacher would be a valuable asset if he moved into a management role.

"Everybody is different, but I am not the type of guy who can sit at home and do nothing," he told autosport.com. "I've always been motivated to do things, and I want to be mentally active.

"As I look at Michael now, I see someone who is very devoted, intelligent and who has a great deal of energy. I really cannot see him doing nothing with his life.

"He may be old as a sportsman, but he is young in the real world and he still has a lot to offer.

"People like him don't work for financial gain, they end up working for the pleasure it brings and the joy of being active."