by bintangkecil on Sunday, December 20th, 2009 | News, Sports

The seven-time Formula One world champion, Michael Schumacher, will come out of retirement and join the new Mercedes team, according to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.

The German has been a consultant with Ferrari, for whom he won five of his drivers’ crowns, since he ended his career in 2006.

He almost got back behind the wheel for the Italian marque this year as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa, but his comeback was cut short due to the lingering effects of a neck injury suffered in a motorbike accident.

The 40-year-old Schumacher is now reportedly ready to return alongside compatriot Nico Rosberg for 2010 with German manufacturer Mercedes, who took a controlling interest in 2009’s double world champions Brawn.

Di Montezemolo told reporters at Ferrari’s Christmas lunch in Fiorano that Schumacher was close to sealing a deal, the UK Press Association reported.

“I hadn’t spoken to him since Abu Dhabi but I spoke to him on Wednesday,” Di Montezemolo said. “He phoned me and he told me that there is a very, very, very strong possibility [of joining Mercedes].

“Having said that, it is not 100 percent decided. But that is what he said.”

Schumacher is poised to end a 13-year association with Ferrari if he joins Mercedes.

“The real Schumacher, the one I know, will remain forever part of the Ferrari family,” Di Montezemolo told Ferrari’s official Web site.”

Tags: ferrari president, formula one, formula one world champion, Luca Di Montezemolo, mercedes team 2010, michael schumacher, michael schumacher mercedes