Michael Schumacher and Ferrari have finally decided on the German’s new role within the team – helping with Ferrari development.

When the seven-time world champion retired, the team were keen to retain his services but were unclear as to what area of the business would suit him best. Schumacher was given the role of ‘super assistant’, a role which saw him attend several 2007 grand prixs but was only loosely defined.

Schumacher has now confirmed that he will be playing an active role in the development of the Ferrari Formula One cars. “We have taken a while to determine this, but now my role within Ferrari is clear,” Schumacher said in an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We had to see where my presence would be most useful. We haven’t yet scheduled the dates when I will drive the car first-hand – nothing is decided. We will take a view on that depending on the situation – if the team need me to drive, I would be happy to, but not too often!”

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