The seven-time world champion now works as an advisor to the Ferrari team and will be in his former team's pit in Barcelona for Sunday's race, but is said to be keen to avoid the limelight.

Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm told German newspaper Bild: "He might sit on the pit wall, but Michael does not want to interfere with the racing. His only function will be advisory."

Ferrari's Brazilian driver Filipe Massa welcomed the news that his former teammate will be in attendance and is keen to show the living-legend what he has learned from their time together.

"I'm very happy he is back, and he will surely be able to give us an extra boost and enthusiasm," Massa said.