Michael Schumacher is to get behind the wheel of a Mercedes again next month.

The seven-times F1 champion retired from the sport for a second time at the end of last season after a three-year spell with the German manufacturing giant. Earlier this year, Mercedes announced an ambassadorial role for the 44-year-old who is also assisting with future developments of road cars.

On May 19, ahead of the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring, Schumacher will drive a Mercedes F1 car around the legendary 14-mile circuit to say ‘thank you’ to the fans for their years of loyal support.

It will be the first time since Juan Manuel Fangio’s victory on August 1, 1954 that a modern F1 Mercedes has driven on the track at the Nurburgring.

Schumacher said: “I have a lot of fond memories of the Nurburgring and am really looking forward to giving fans from my home town of Kerpen, which is quite close to the circuit, something to remember as they see me drive by.

“But it will be a fantastic experience for me too, driving along the Nordschleife in a state-of-the-art Formula One Silver Arrow, particularly in view of the fact the Silver Arrow’s legend began there.

“Posting a lap in a modern car on the most testing circuit in the world, what a brilliant mix – it’s every driver’s dream.”