Jul.16 (GMM) Michael Schumacher has countered the latest round of speculation about his future by insisting he is not looking to return to formula one.

The seven time world champion said recently he only elected to retire at the end of 2006 in order to save his then Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa's career.

The statement, in addition to the fact that his spokeswoman Sabine Kehm refused to comment, triggered renewed rumours that a comeback for the 39-year-old German might be on the cards.

But Schumacher has now told the German news magazine Stern: "I really love my new life. It is the sort of freedom that I have always wanted.

"I am not having any sort of secret thoughts about a F1 comeback," he added.

Schumacher, who will reportedly attend the German grand prix at Hockenheim this weekend, says he enjoys his work as a part-time advisor and test driver for the Ferrari team.

As for always seeming competitive when he tests these days, he added: "It is nice to feel that I could still do it if I wanted to.

"But now I would rather do my work in the background."