Michael Schumacher has now signed a contract to return to formula one next year with Mercedes, according to multiple authoritative sources.
Germany's Bild newspaper and the BBC in Britain say the seven time world champion, who turns 41 in early January, has signed a one-year deal.
Bild, valuing the contract at 7 million euros, said the German's decision is the "biggest comeback in sports history". Schumacher reportedly signed the deal at Brackley, with an announcement to be made on Tuesday.
His spokeswoman Sabine Kehm would not comment, but Schumacher's friend Sebastian Vettel said he was happy to hear the news.
"This is his own decision for his own reasons but it makes me happy that he is going to be there. I hope he is still fit enough for his age to ride along with us," the Red Bull driver is quoted as saying by RTL Nachtmagazin.
Bild said Mercedes is seeking special permission so that Schumacher can test the Brawn car in January.
