‘Super-fit’ Schumacher close to Formula 1 return

Michael Schumacher's return to Formula 1 is closer than ever after his agent said that the driver was in "super-fit" shape, indicating that the neck injury that prevented his return last season was no longer a problem.

The medical bulletin comes after Ferrari, the team Schumacher works for as a consultant, said they would not stand in his way if he wanted to race again for another team. Meanwhile, Mercedes chief executive Nick Fry hinted that they were close to recruiting the driver when he said: "He would be very good for our team."

The German was expected to make a comeback for Ferrari last season when Felipe Massa was injured. But his plans to come out of retirement were foiled because of a long-standing neck injury he sustained in a motorbike crash.

Now it has emerged that the 40-year-old driver is in training to drive again and that he has enountered no problems with his neck. His manager Willi Weber has told German media that "Michael is super-fit", and that his doctor says he is making "giant progress".

Mercedes are being tipped to unveil the seven-time champion in the new year alongside his compatriot Nico Rosberg.

If Schumacher's comeback goes well he may find himself racing in the streets of Rome after Bernie Ecclestone confirmed that he had signed a seven-year deal for a Grand Prix in the Italian capital. The first race around the ancient city's streets will take place in 2012.

The route goes close to the Vatican and Ecclestone joked: "Every time there is an overtaking manoeuvre, we're going to put the black smoke up." ·