Michael Schumacher's spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm, has admitted the seven-time Formula One world champion would consider providing cover for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa in a short-term capacity if he is asked.
A Ferrari spokesman did not rule out the possibility of Schumacher returning, but stressed it was too early to say anything and added that Massa's health was dominating the Scuderia's thoughts at this time.
Massa is recovering in a hospital in Budapest after being hit by a metal spring while travelling at 162mph during qualifying for last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Brazilian will certainly miss next month's European Grand Prix in Valencia and is expected to sit out for the rest of the year. His career could even be over if it emerges that his vision is impaired by injuries sustained to his left eye.
Schumacher, who retired from Formula One at the end of the 2006 season, told the BBC in an interview at the German Grand Prix two weeks ago that he was not interested in returning to the sport in which he won seven titles, five with Ferrari.
However, his spokeswoman Sabine Kehm has explained that the German was referring to a permanent return.
"Usually, I would say he's not interested because he's fine with his life and he doesn't miss anything but now the situation is so different - it's very hypothetical - and Michael doesn't want to step into that [discussion]," she said.
"The whole thing will be considered by Ferrari. If they approach Michael, then he will consider it. But there is no reason for him to step into their discussion."
Kehm added that Schumacher was in good shape, although a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident in February might pose a problem.
"Michael had a motorcycle accident in February when he had a neck problem - and I really can't tell you if his neck would be fine to drive an F1 race," she said.
"If Ferrari asked him whether he would consider driving, he would have it checked - and remember he is a 40-year-old man, too."
OTHER NAMES IN THE FRAME
Fernando Alonso (Renault) - perhaps the most likely option. The two-time world champion is widely expected to move to Ferrari in 2010 anyway, although the team have not confirmed that report and the Spaniard has denied it.
Renault are in any case banned from the Valencia race after allowing Alonso to return to the track with a loose wheel following a pit stop in Hungary last weekend. They are appealing that decision but it has nevertheless been speculated that Alonso's move to Ferrari may simply be brought forward.
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore also acts as Alonso's manager and would stand to benefit from the deal. Bernie Ecclestone, a friend and business partner of Briatore's, could also try to make it happen.
Marc Gené (Ferrari test driver) - at 35 years of age the Spaniard, who raced intermittently for Williams as a stand-in during 2003/2004 and has competed in 36 races with a best result of sixth, would not represent a long-term option.
Luca Badoer (Ferrari test driver) - the 39-year-old Swiss, who has been a test driver for Ferrari but has not raced since 1999 and has never scored a world championship point, is believed to be an even less likely option than Gené.
Sebastian Bourdais (ex-Toro Rosso) - the Frenchman was sacked by Red Bull's sister team following the German Grand Prix earlier this month and his name has been mentioned mainly because he has recent driving experience and the same manager as Massa - Frenchman Nicolas Todt (son of FIA presidential candidate jean Todt).
Mirko Bortolotti (MotorSport Vision, Formula Two) - backed by Red Bull after winning Italian Formula Three last year. The 19-year-old reportedly impressed Ferrari in winter testing at Fiorano in 2008.
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