Michael Schumacher said today that he would support Ferrari teammate Eddie Irvine in his fight for the World Championship, if he was to return to racing before the end of the season and the Irishman was in a position to clinch the title.

"If that's the case, I will work for the team and drive for Irvine," Schumacher told news agency SID. "I could live with this situation because Eddie has driven often enough for me. Why shouldn't I pay that back? Even if I might not want to do it - that's life."