Door open for Schumi

Seven time world champion Michael Schumacher enjoyed a day of shopping in Milan before attending the launch of Ferrari's new formula one car for 2007.

Media reports in Germany revealed that, a day before the launch of the F2007, the 38-year-old shopped with his wife Corinna at the high-end fashion house 'Dolce & Gabbana'.

Retired Schumacher then kept a low-profile at Maranello, hiding out alongside the F2007 in a factory workshop rather than joining the launch festivities in a building adjacent to Ferrari's Fiorano test track.

The new Ferrari 'assistant' also spent time with Jean Todt on Saturday, where after the team boss admitted: "I asked Michael if he was finding (retirement) difficult. His reply was very clear - 'Absolutely not'."

Todt added that if Schumacher tires of his go-kart and wants to take a Ferrari for a spin, "we'll find a racing suit for him with pleasure."

Before Monday morning's first test drive of the F2007, Luca di Montezemolo said the following -

"Michael has already adopted a new mentality; I'd say even a new dimension. This morning he was at the box and listening to the comments of the drivers. I really enjoyed seeing him enthusiastic like that. He could have done something else, but he decided to stay, to contribute to the team. This shows not only his personality but also what kind of relationship he has with Ferrari; it is very personal and reaches very deep."

On the sidelines of the famous Italian marque's private test circuit, meanwhile, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo told Italian television that he can imagine the sight of retired champion Michael Schumacher in the car's cockpit in the near future.

"I know him well," Montezemolo said, "and I believe that he will test the new Ferrari soon."