Monday 12 April at 16:01 : Apr.12 (GMM) While defending the success of his elder brother's comeback, Ralf Schumacher has refused to rule out also launching a return to the sport.

Also driving for Mercedes, 34-year-old Schumacher has signed up for another season in the German touring car series DTM, having earlier admitted he would jump at the chance of a good F1 seat this year.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport asked the German on Monday whether, given the criticism attracted by the dubious success of his brother's comeback so far, he has now put the idea of a return on the back-burner.

"I see it completely differently," said Ralf, a six-time winner with Williams, whose F1 career subsequently ended in 2007 after four fallow seasons at the wheel of a Toyota.

"I would still take this step if a good opportunity arose. With regards to Michael, I don't know what was expected of him by the outside world.

"He sees it in quite a relaxed way, and it would be the same for myself. The return was primarily for himself, because he has fun with formula one and was looking for a challenge," added Ralf Schumacher.