Will Schumacher become Mercedes F1 test driver?

UPDATE This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Reports that Michael Schumacher has signed up as Mercedes' F1 test driver for 2013 are wrong.

The reports were sparked when the retiring seven time world champion was quoted in English-language reports as saying: "I have signed a contract and will be active as a test driver".

In fact, the 43-year-old's interview was with Stern, the German weekly newsmagazine.

And he clarified to the Germany daily Bild that he will be a test driver in 2013 — for the Italian kart chassis maker Tony Kart.

He explained: "I like karting. It's always been a big thing for me."

Indeed, Schumacher told Stern that he is looking forward to "not thinking so much about F1" in 2013 and beyond.

One of his new passions is skydiving.

"I'm still a beginner, but I am looking forward to not always having to be thinking of F1.

Waving goodbye to racing, will Schumacher test Mercedes F1 cars or road cars?

11/29/12 Michael Schumacher has said he is happy with the way he bowed out of Formula One in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix when he finished seventh.

"It's strange that I finished my career with a seventh place finish – that's how it started, with seventh in my first qualifying (at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix)," Schumacher told German magazine Stern.

"And with seven World titles: the number was a good ending."

The German said he now has concrete plans for his retirement: "I have signed a contract and will be active as a test driver" [Is that an F1 test driver or passenger car test driver?] and wants to improve on his hobby as a sky-diver.

"I'm still a greenhorn, but I have learned to switch off and I am looking forward to not having to think constantly about Formula One."