Michael Schumacher's spokeswoman has played down reports the seven time world champion could be set to return to formula one.
After Norbert Haug this week flagged some forthcoming "surprises" to emerge from the Mercedes GP team, rumours were sparked about Schumacher joining Nico Rosberg in an all-German lineup.
"You never say never in this sport, but you can rule it out at the moment. It's highly unlikely," Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm told the Mirror.
Haug, Mercedes' competition director, said he is hoping driver announcements can be made soon.
"I would rather hope next week," he told reporters, "but don't kill me if it is a couple of weeks longer. But I would like to say definitely this year."
