Schumacher abandons comeback

[alunfennell]

Michael Schumacher has called off his Formula One comeback due to concerns over a neck injury.

Schumacher, a seven-time F1 world champion, had agreed to help out former team Ferrari and step in for Felipe Massa on a temporary basis after the Brazilian suffered head injuries at the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.

But the German has now abandoned the comeback after failing to shrug off an injury suffered in a motorbike accident in February.



Schumacher told his official website: 'Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe.

'I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out.'

The 40-year-old had intended to return at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on 23 August but testing designed to help Schumacher re-acclimatise himself with the rigours of F1 have shown the injuries to his neck are 'too severe'.

Schumacher reportedly posted strong times having driven Kimi Raikkonen's 2007 World Championship-winning Ferrari at the Mugello circuit in Italy but the neck flared up again afterwards.

He added: 'Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.

'The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike-accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe.

'That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula 1 yet.

'This are the clear results of the examinations we did on the course of the past two weeks and the final examination yesterday afternoon.

'As there were no improvements after the day in Mugello, I decided at short notice on Sunday to do that thorough examination yesterday.

'I am disappointed to the core.

'I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me.

'I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races.'

[caveman_nige]

Thats a shame, i think it would have made this years championship into something very special... I wonder who they will choose now...

[opsmonkey]

my mate used to boost cars, he always outburned the cops in Liverpool.. i reckon he'd be good given a chance

[alunfennell]

..... Good one opsmonkey.

Badoer set to race for Ferrari in Valencia

Following the news that Michael Schumacher has had to call off his planned return to Formula One racing, Ferrari have announced that test driver Luca Badoer has been drafted in to race at the European Grand Prix later this month.

Schumacher had hoped to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa in Valenica, but neck pain caused by a motorcycle accident earlier this year, has forced him to abandon his comeback plans.

"I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing," explained Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo. “In the past few days, I have appreciated his great efforts and the extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world. No doubt his return would have been good for Formula One and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again.

“In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances. In agreement with (team principal) Stefano Domenicali, we have therefore decided to give Luca Badoer the chance to race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test driver."

Badoer has tested for the Italian team since 1998 and last raced back in 1999 for Minardi. Although he has started 48 Grands Prix, the 38 year-old is yet to score a world championship point.

[vponto]

hi hate shomie