Gerhard Berger rules out Formula 1 return in the near future

Gerhard Berger has ruled out returning to a job in Formula 1 in the near future - despite being approached by FIA president Jean Todt this year about a possible role in the sport

The Austrian, who won 10 grands prix during his F1 career, was most recently involved as co-owner of Scuderia Toro Rosso after an earlier spell as motorsport director at BMW.

Berger has made the occasional visit to the paddock since selling his interest in Toro Rosso back in 2008, and a meeting with Todt earlier this year prompted speculation that he could be handed a job within the governing body.

However, speaking to AUTOSPORT, Berger has said the only way he would return would be in a competitive environment - although he no longer wants the hassle of travelling to every race.

"There is nothing foreseeable," he said. "I just don't want to travel all the time."

When asked about the job offer from Todt, Berger said: "It was the same as with Max [Mosley]. But it was a 'no thanks'. I love to proceed with my experiences, and I would rather be interested in running a team, preparing a car and going racing on Sundays. But that is not happening."

Todt told AUTOSPORT earlier this year in an exclusive interview that he felt Berger had plenty to offer F1 still.

"Gerhard is a good friend of mine and it's true, he was one of the people mentioned in connection with this topic; I addressed him today," he said. "He could still make a very good contribution to the sport.

"At the moment he has other things he is dealing with, but I really hope that sooner or later he could have a role to play. Not specifically in the FIA - I think Gerhard is more interested to have his team, to have his business, and he is a very good businessman."