Despite calls within critical Italian circles, Michael Schumacher is unlikely to travel to grands prix this year to 'mentor' Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.
Particularly in Italy, Brazilian Massa, 25, has been the subject of varying levels of criticism this week after he squandered his Malaysian GP pole position last Sunday with a couple of driving errors.
One scenario mooted as a possible solution to Massa's erratic driving is the attendance at races by Ferrari 'advisor' Schumacher, who could coach Massa as to how to keep his cool in difficult moments.
But the Cologne newspaper Express observed that Schumacher is presently in Miami (USA) with his family, meaning that he almost certainly will not travel to Bahrain.
The retired seven time world champion is, however, due to make his first grand prix appearance in 2007 soon.
Spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said: "It looks as though Michael will go to Barcelona (on May 13).