Schumacher's spokeswoman says his F1 return with Mercedes 'highly unlikely'

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The Associated Press
Published Friday, November 20, 2009 1:26PM EST

FRANKFURT, Germany - Although Michael Schumacher is keeping his options open, his spokeswoman says his return to Formula One is "highly unlikely."

Spokeswoman Sabine Kehm was reacting to an article in London's Daily Telegraph on Friday that speculated the 40-year-old German could be tempted to come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes GP, which has bought out last season's champion team Brawn GP.

Schumacher, a seven-time F1 champion who retired in 2006, called off a temporary comeback earlier this year with Ferrari because of a persistent neck injury.

Kehm says: "You can never say never in this sport, but to me, it is highly unlikely at the moment."