Michael Schumacher will test for Ferrari again next month, despite re-affirming that he has no plans to make a race return.

The seven-times world champion retired from racing 13 months ago to take up an advisory role with Ferrari, but returned to the cockpit at Barcelona last week and set the pace in Formula One's first test of the winter.

And the reigning champions have confirmed that the 38-year-old German, a winner of 91 grands prix during his career, will get more seat time at the Jerez circuit.

"We haven't arranged the programme yet but he will do a couple of days," Ferrari said.

Schumacher's testing return is largely down to his experience of driving Formula One cars devoid of electronic driver aids.

Systems such as traction control were introduced in 2001, meaning that current race drivers Kimi Raikkonen - the world champion - and Felipe Massa have little or no experience of racing cars without them ahead of their banning for 2008.

Schumacher said that while he had no plans to return to racing, he would do all he could to help Ferrari, for whom he won five straight world titles between 2000 and 2005, remain at the front of the sport.

"My love for this sport has never faded and to drive the F1 car is the best you can do as a motorsportsman," Schumacher said recently.

"It has nothing to do with my decision to retire though - that is irrevocable. I hope I can give Ferrari some support in the preparations for the new season."

Jamie O'Leary / Eurosport