Schumacher raring to go for F1 return
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER admitted he couldn’t resist the challenge of returning to Formula One after agreeing to replace injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.
The seven-time world champion retired at the end of the 2006 season but will make a historic comeback at the European Grand Prix on 23 August.
Ferrari confirmed last night that Schumacher, 40, will stand in for Massa for as long as it takes for the Brazilian to recover from the serious head injuries he sustained during a freak accident during last week’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Massa suffered a fractured skull after being hit by flying debris during the qualifying session and is expected to sit out the rest of the F1 season.
But Schumacher, who has been working as an advisor for Ferrari since retiring, says he is happy to step in, albeit until the 28-year-old returns.
“It is true that the Formula 1 chapter has long been closed for me,” said Schumacher, who won five world titles for Ferrari. “The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive, and I wish him all the best again.
“This afternoon I met with team principal Stefano Domenicali and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe. As the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge.”
Schumacher will now undergo an intense training programme in order to prepare for the next race in Valencia.