Michael Schumacher has signed a one-year deal with Mercedes GP to make a dramatic comeback to Formula One in 2010, according to the German newspaper Bild. The seven-times world champion reportedly signed his contract at Mercedes GP's headquarters in Brackley, UK on Tuesday, with an announcement expected in the coming days.

Schumacher has been strongly linked with the Mercedes team since Jenson Button confirmed his unexpected departure to McLaren last month. Under the guidance of Ross Brawn, Button secured his first world drivers' title with the team, known as Brawn GP, in 2009, before Mercedes bought into the team in November.

All seven of Schumacher's titles were won with Ross Brawn at the helm while at Benetton and Ferrari, and with the Briton staying on as team principal of the newly renamed outfit, many will be keen to see the relationship flourish once again in a new era for the pairing. With Nico Rosberg already confirmed for 2010, Schumacher's appointment creates an all-German line-up for the German-backed squad, ready to rival the all-British pairing of McLaren.

Schumacher last raced in F1 in 2006, losing out to Fernando Alonso in the battle for the drivers' championship, but nearly returned to the sport this summer as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari, only for a neck injury to thwart his efforts. However, having responded well to intense training prior to signing his agreement, it's understood the neck injury, which he picked up during a motorbike accident, is of no concern.

The 2010 line-up as it stands can be viewed here.