MS out of retirement

[CAL]

After several days of speculation, Ferrari announced on Wednesday that seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher will indeed replace the injured Felipe Massa in next month's European Grand Prix in Valencia, Spain.

An announcement on Ferrari's Web site said that Schumacher, 40, will begin training immediately to make sure he is in shape for his comeback and that he is ready to go. Schumacher suffered some injuries during the winter after crashing a racing motorcycle, and the team needs to be sure he is fit. Regardless, the news comes as a strange contradiction to what the 40-year-old German's manager, Willi Weber, told the Daily Mail in comments published Tuesday. Webber said that he was "200 percent" sure that Schumacher would not fill the vacant seat. However, AutoWeek reported on Sunday that Schumacher topped the list of candidates for the job.

Sorry, Willi.

"The most important thing first: Thanks God, all news concerning Felipe are positive. I wish him all the best again," the most successful F1 driver of all time said.

"I was meeting this afternoon with [team boss] Stefano Domenicali and [Ferrari president] Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

"Though it is true that the chapter Formula One has been closed for me since long and completely, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team, I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

The European Grand Prix on Aug. 23 will mark the first time that Schumacher races alongside Ferrari's Kimi Raïkkönen, and it will be the first time that he experiences F1's new slick tires and kinetic-energy-recovery system. In his favor, upcoming races take place at tracks known to be among Schumacher's favorites: Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and Suzuka. Schumacher has not raced at Valencia, Singapore or Abu Dhabi, which also are among the upcoming events.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090729/F...1#ixzz0Mfqs48U2

[elan]

An interesting turn of events, even at 50% he's better than 1/2 of the field today. One of my favorite drivers.

[CAL]

An interesting turn of events, even at 50% he's better than 1/2 of the field today. One of my favorite drivers.

It makes a cetian logic but still mind blowing.

All the experts were only giving him a 5% chance of jumping into the red car.

[Tommy Kortman]

Just goes to show how much experts know. I cant wait to see this. How demorilizing would it be to the rest of the field if this "old man" comes out of retirement and whoops their collective butts? Halimton vs Schumacher

[MikeMc]

All the experts were only giving him a 5% chance of jumping into the red car.

As normal....screw the "EXPERTS"

Edited July 29, 2009 by MikeMc

[Foxer]

This should be interesting to see what Shummie can do without a decent car to drive.

[Nick F40]

Yeah considering the new cars are junk. I knew you'd post this, this was supposed to be my post Chris!

I think it's awsome!

Now it sucks that BMW quit, although, if they're thinking of returning to sports cars and LeMans? ALL FOR IT!!!!

[Zoom Zoom]

I got bored watching Schumacher's reign....and now this...actually a reason to watch the next race

I hope he smacks everyone silly. They need it. The sport needs it. Including Max & Bernie Yes, I know...Max will like it

This is the silliest of silly seasons.

I hope Massa makes the full recovery that has been predicted.

[Nick F40]

They'll get all giddy. Schumacher and Vatenen, now there's a combo!

[CAL]

On top of all this Renault has been booted from there home GP for the wheel falling of Alonso's car last race.

No cars, no practice, no qualifying, no race.

There will be a riot for sure.

[CAL]

On top of all this Renault has been booted from there home GP for the wheel falling of Alonso's car last race.

No cars, no practice, no qualifying, no race.

There will be a riot for sure.

[Nick F40]

Wow this is just going downhill

DOESN'T ANYONE HAVE ANY EYES???????

Edited July 29, 2009 by Nick F40

[935k3]

I can't wait for the next race. This is a good thing for F1 and it will be a ratings booster. The Ferrari and Mclaren are better cars now and it should be a good show although Valencia may not be the best place to showcase the old master Micheal against the young lion Lewis.

[Rob Hall]

Can't wait until the next race..it's been a pretty interesting season so far..

Rob

[purplehornies]

Probably a well orchestrated move by the FIA. Considering that it looks like Renault and Alonso will be excluded from his home race. Takes away Alonso’s plea about it being unfair to his fans. I’m sure Schumacher will do well. And ticket sales will soar.

But I hope his comeback isn’t similar to Brett Favre’s.

[CAL]

Go Schummi go.

He was doing laps today in a customer spec car.

Yesterday was spent on the sim to learn the steering wheel which has changed a lot since he was last in a F-1 car.

so it looks like this is going down.