Ralf Schumacher could be set to follow elder brother Michael back into Grand Prix racing, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is reported to have said on Wednesday.

Ralf, 34, retired from Formula One in 2007 after 10 years on the circuit to race in Germany's DTM touring car competition but Ecclestone says he has recommended the younger Schumacher to the new Stefan GP team which has taken over from Toyota.

Serbian businessman Zoran Stefanovic has taken over the team's finances and Ralf - winner of six Grand Prix' from 180 starts and whose best finish in the overall standings was fourth, twice - has been recommended to drive for the new outfit with elder brother Michael set to drive for Mercedes this season.

Ecclestone says he does not expect F1 teams USF1 and Campos to race this season and says Schumacher should race for Stefan having driven for them under the Toyota banner in 2007.

"I do not believe in the participation of USF1 and Campos," Ecclestone told German magazine Sport Bild.

"Instead, I have good contacts with Stefan GP and would like to give this team a good starting point.

"Ralf Schumacher would be the perfect driver for them, he knows the team and he has experience."

Schumacher has no DTM contract for 2010 and there have been reports he is eager to get a F1 berth for the new season, which starts on March 14 in Bahrain.