Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone thinks talk of a comeback for Michael Schumacher has now gone beyond wild speculation.
While both Schumacher and Mercedes-Benz have refused to dismiss talk that the seven-time World Champion is being considered for the remaining seat at the team, Ecclestone says he, too, is no longer sure about what the eventual outcome will be.
"I would personally doubt that he's going to make a comeback but, having said that, it's maybe getting a bit stronger than a rumor," Ecclestone told Britain's The Times newspaper.
The one thing Ecclestone says he does know, however, is that a Schumacher return would be great news for F1. "Oh, it would be magic," Ecclestone said. "You saw the interest he created when he was going to come back after Felipe Massa had his accident."
He added: "Whether or not this is going to happen, I don't know. If I were Michael I wouldn't do it, but I'm sure he knows he could get the job done."