Schu to stay in F1 paddock in 2007

(GMM) Michael Schumacher's may still be a regular face in the formula one paddocks next year and beyond.

The Cologne based newspaper 'Express' reports that the 37-year-old German, although retiring as a race driver after Sunday's Brazilian grand prix, could be set for a Niki Lauda-style role as informal Ferrari 'advisor', involving attendance at most races on the 2007 calendar.

It is speculated that some Ferrari sponsors are requesting Schumacher's on-site advisory role as a condition of maintaining their current level of team backing.

Meanwhile, the 'manager-magazin' publication has listed 37-year-old Schumacher at position 161 on the annual list of the wealthiest German people.

His fortune is estimated at approximately (US) $750m.