Schumacher tips BMW, Renault

At Ferrari's annual media ski event 7-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher said he believes Renault and BMW can improve this season and threaten Ferrari and McLaren at the top of the sport.

"I would expect to see a very close fight between the two main teams but then I would see Renault and BMW able to close the gap and they may enter into the top two," the Ferrari consultant told reporters on Friday at the team's ski retreat.

The German also said Honda's recruitment of former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn was a step forward.

"Ross is the perfect man to make Honda come back in the right direction because he is very capable. But it will take time," he said.

The 39-year-old said he would probably test again before the season opener in Melbourne on March 16 but again ruled out competing in Formula One even if Kimi Raikkonen or Felipe Massa were ever unavailable for Ferrari.

"It is pretty sure that at one stage I will go out in the car. If the team wants and it is not too much, then I'm happy to do this. It is probably more likely and makes more sense before the championship starts," he said, before reacting with a blunt 'No' when asked if he would ever race again.

"I will come to some of the races, mainly European races. I don't like to travel too much," he added. (See full interview)