Willi Weber has revealed that Michael Schumacher could make a shock return to the team with which he won his first two titles.

Weber has told Bild that he has had initial talks with Renault boss Flavio Briatore, who was in charge of the Benetton team with which Schumacher enjoyed his early successes, before the German headed off to Ferrari and Renault bought the Enstone based outfit.

"I told Flavio clearly that we are not talking to anyone until Michael decides whether he wants to," said Weber. "We've known each other for a long time and talk a lot to each other. Flavio let on that we should talk to him before we sign another possible contract with Ferrari. He seems to be interested."

"The truth is that we would first talk with Ferrari," he added.

Thus far there is no comment from the French team, however, Weber is well known for such manoeuvres, and this could well be a bid to see how much money Ferrari, and any other interested party, is willing to put on the table.

Aged 37, and following a difficult 2005 season, Schumacher has said that he will make a decision as to whether he remains in racing mid-season.

However, in the wake of Fernando Alonso's move to McLaren, and as many as 14 drivers coming to the end of their current contracts, speculation as to who goes where in 2007 is rarely out of the headlines.

With Alonso heading to Woking, competition for the Renault drive will be fierce, and though Heikki Kovalainen would appear to be favourite, there is nothing to say that Giancarlo Fisichella will retain the second seat, far from it.

It had always been assumed that after hanging up his helmet, Schumacher would continue as an ambassador for the Maranello outfit. However, even though there are many who feel he is approaching the end of his F1 career, the fact is, that, as witnessed in Melbourne, he is still as determined as ever, and remains a serious title threat, when given the right equipment.

In all probability, even if the German decides to continue racing in 2007 and beyond, he will simply wake up one morning, decide 'I've had enough', and walk away.

Michael Schumacher is not the sort of racing driver to serve out a period of notice, when the passion and desire has gone, he will not stick around.