Michael Schumacher is not expected to return to the Formula One paddock until the Spanish Grand Prix in May. Autosport.com understands that the recently retired seven times world champion is scheduled to attend the Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Nurburgring races in his still unspecified new role at Ferrari. Speculation in Germany suggested that Schumacher would be present in Melbourne, but instead he followed the race on television at home and then telephoned the team immediately after the finish to offer congratulations on their victory. Team president Jean Todt said that Schumacher's call showed how smoothly Ferrari had moved into their new era. "When you have Michael calling us when we are going on the podium it is quite demonstrating of what we are doing together - feeling happy together," he said. There had also been suggestions that Schumacher might be involved in German broadcaster RTL's Australian Grand Prix coverage, as he regularly granted the channel exclusive interviews during his racing career. However his only 'appearance' in RTL's broadcast came in a satirical sketch featuring a silicone puppet version of Schumacher reading tarot cards.
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