Schumacher close to sign Mercedes deal

Mercedes have signed Germany's Nico Rosberg for 2010 but have yet to name his team-mate with media speculation swirling around the retired 40-year-old German.
Bild said a deal with the seven-times world champion could be announced as soon as next week, without citing any sources.

Schumacher was lined up for a brief comeback this year as a stand-in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa but had to pull out due to his own neck problem.
Mercedes Grand Prix chief executive Nick Fry said on Thursday an announcement on the second driver could come before the Christmas holiday but was more likely to be in early January. He said there were about four names on the shortlist.

As recently as late November, Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm had said she would be surprised if the German, who will turn 41 in January, came out of retirement.
"Michael is enjoying his life very much. To me, a return would therefore be highly unlikely at the moment," she said.

Button collects trophy
Jenson Button paid tribute to his former Brawn GP team on Friday after collecting the Formula One champions' trophy at a gala awards ceremony in Monaco.
“I am honoured to be here in Monaco this evening to collect the drivers' championship trophy and to see my name engraved alongside the famous racing legends of the past,” said the Briton, who will race for McLaren next year.