Formula One: Ferrari Keen for Schumacher to Sign on

Michael Schumacher could continue to play a key role at Ferrari by helping to identify and groom formula one drivers of the future as the right-hand man to the company's recently appointed chief executive officer Jean Todt.

Only a week after he ended his formula one driving career with fourth place in the Brazilian grand prix, it seems that the seven-times world champion is now prepared to deploy his knowledge to create the next generation of Ferrari stars.

"I'm very happy that Michael will continue to work with us and to share our choices - this is important," said Luca di Montezemolo, the Ferrari president. "Michael will be Todt's de facto super assistant for certain things."

Clearly Montezemolo is keen to finalise a deal with Schumacher as quickly as possible. In addition to tapping into the 37-year-old's understanding of what qualities differentiate a good driver from a potentially great one, the commercial prestige attached to maintaining a relationship with the seven-times world champion are too obvious to ignore. Todt added his support to Montezemolo's ringing endorsement.

"Michael has always been interested in following young drivers," he said as he beckoned to Schumacher's former team-mate Felipe Massa, who won in Brazil last Sunday. "I have one of them next to me. I remember Michael talking to me about Felipe when he still was in lesser series."

Despite this generous encouragement Schumacher made it clear he did not wish to finalise any commitment until he has had some time off to reflect.

"I'm very happy to be involved in this way but I look forward first of all to get some rest for a few months and then I'll have a much clearer view."