Could Michael Schumacher's Ferrari links lead him to take over the reins at Scuderia Toro Rosso? That's the rumour doing the rounds after the German's manager Willi Weber suggested Schumacher may be interested in a team management role.
Of course, the story may well be another case of Weber stirring the pot to give his 'client' a little more exposure in the run up to the first Formula One season in 15 years without Michael on the grid, but echoes suggestions made in the past by the seven-time world champion's brother, Ralf.
Speaking to Munich newspaper Abendzeitung, Weber hinted that Schumacher Sr would be interested in taking over an existing operation, rather than setting up one of his own, and might consider buying into the Toro Rosso operation with a view to taking on a new challenge following his decision to retire at the end of the 2006 campaign.
Current team owner, Red Bull entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz, is known to be looking for further investment in the team and, according to rumours, may even consider selling up to concentrate on his 'number one' operation, Red Bull Racing. Gerhard Berger owns the other 50 percent of the team.
"Perhaps we'll got to a multi-millionaire and buy his second team," Weber said. "It is only a thought, but I can imagine Michael buying a race team."
Schumacher, meanwhile, is poised to start his new role within the Ferrari camp, where he has been appointed as a 'super assistant' to company CEO Jean Todt.
Although it is likely that he will try the team's latest car at some point in future, Schumacher has largely ruled out a return to the cockpit, but a management position may tempt him to try and recreate his on-track success.
The question remains, however, as to whether Schumacher, who has often admitted to enjoying his retirement, would want a return to the frenzied world of Formula One.
