Michael Schumacher retired from F1 in 2006.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

FRANKFURT, Germany -- A Formula One comeback by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher is "highly unlikely," the German driver's spokesman said Friday.

An article Friday in London's Daily Telegraph speculated the 40-year-old Schumacher could be tempted to come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes GP, the new team formed by Mercedes-Benz after it bought a majority stake in Brawn GP, last season's F1 champion team.

"You can never say never in this sport, but to me, (a comeback) is highly unlikely at the moment," Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said.

Schumacher, who retired in 2006, called off a temporary comeback earlier this year for Ferrari because of a persistent neck injury.

If he signed with Mercedes, Schumacher would be reuniting with Ross Brawn, the team chief who helped produce his winning seasons with Benetton and Ferrari. Schumacher also came through Mercedes' young drivers development program.

Schumacher prepared to step in for the injured Felipe Massa earlier this year but abandoned that comeback attempt on the advice of doctors because of a neck injury suffered in a motorcycle crash.