Rumour is rife in the motor racing world that seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher is set for a shock return to F1.

Paddy Power has the new Mercedes F1 team as the current favourite at 9/2 for his signature with only a very outside chance of him joining the Renault team at 25/1 or one of the new comers to F1 at 150/1.

Schumacher’s return would set up an epic Britain v Germany battle on the track with Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, who are 11/2 and 5/2 respectively to win the title, taking on the German legend and his compatriot Nico Rosberg.

Sparks are likely to fly as the two teams’ performances were close in the final stages of this year’s championship.

If Schumacher does return the grid he is currently 9/1 to win his eighth crown.

Schumacher was set for a dramatic return in 2009 for the injured Felipe Massa but had to pull out due to neck injuries of his own following a motorcycle accident.

Roberto Coladangelo spokesman for Paddy Power said: "Schumacher’s return would turn the heat up in F1 and an age old rivalry would be fired up on the track.

"Jenson and Lewis will have a battle on as the two teams had similar speed in the last few races and they will both have to be wary of the old master’s infamous tricks out on the circuit."