ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Mercedes chief executive Nick Fry hopes Michael Schumacher will return to Formula One and that the former world champion will drive for the German team next season.

German media reported last weekend that a deal had been struck to bring the country's seven-time champion back to F1 with Mercedes, though Fry would not be drawn on the subject on Tuesday.

"I can't tell you at this stage, unfortunately,'' Fry said when asked point-blank about Schumacher. "The view from inside Formula One, not just in my team, is that they all hope it will happen.

"On Saturday night in Germany, the news that Michael might return was the first thing on and the Copenhagen climate talks was second. Not sure if they have their priorities right but it shows the impact.''

Ferrari, where Schumacher is now under contract as a consultant after winning five titles with the team as a driver, cleared the way on Tuesday for him to make a comeback to the sport.

Fry made it clear that the 40-year-old driver was top of Mercedes' wish list for next season, saying he would be ``very good for our team.''