Mercedes poised to confirm Schu deal

Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One is due to be officially confirmed on Wednesday morning by Mercedes GP.

Schumacher is understood to have signed a one-year contract, with an option for a further season, ending three years in retirement.

Speculation has long surrounded a potential comeback for the seven-time world champion, who turns 41 on January 3.

Schumacher's initial planned comeback in August had to be aborted due to a neck injury sustained in a motorbike accident while testing in Spain in February.

On that occasion Schumacher was poised to fill in for Felipe Massa at Ferrari following the Brazilian's horrific accident in Hungary during qualifying.

However, a seed had been planted, with Mercedes officially turning to Schumacher after losing world champion Jenson Button to McLaren following their takeover of Brawn GP just over five weeks ago.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo then cleared one obstacle when he confirmed earlier this month he would not hold Schumacher to his contract as advisor to the team, and ambassador for Ferrari's road car division.

The last remaining hurdle was then overcome, with Schumacher's manager, Willi Weber, recently stating his man was now "super fit".