Designer Rory Byrne is back at Ferrari - reports

Rory Byrne is making a return to formula one with Ferrari.

That is the claim of two authoritative figures, including former team manager Joan Villadelprat, who writes a column in the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

"Rory Byrne, the brain behind the great Michael Schumacher era, has decided to return to work with Ferrari’s new (technical) boss Pat Fry," he wrote.

South African designer Byrne handed over his role to the now-ousted Aldo Costa in 2006, staying as a consultant in recent years before retiring completely.

AS newspaper correspondent Manuel Franco also reported the news about Byrne this week, admitting that Ferrari at present is "determined to deny it".

"Officially the 2012 car has been designed by Nicholas Tombazis, but Byrne has been there," Franco insisted.