Jenson Button has described Michael Schumacher as "very brave" for taking up what he sees as a no-win challenge.

The 40-year-old seven-time world champion has not raced since 2006 but he will return to Formula One with Ferrari at next month's European Grand Prix in Valencia.

Schumacher answered the Italian team's call with Felipe Massa recovering in hospital after fracturing his skull during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix last Saturday.

World championship leader Button has applauded Schumacher for trading in his advisory role with Ferrari for racing gloves and helmet.

He said: "It will be good to have Michael back out there racing again.

"There are very good people racing at the moment but to have Michael there again will be very special, although I'm sure we all wish Felipe was there too.

"In a way Ferrari are very lucky because they've someone working in their team who can jump straight into the car and be competitive, and Michael will be.

"It's an interesting one, though, because if he wins people will say they expected him to and if he doesn't, they will say he should not have come back.

"So it's a tough position for him to be in, although I'm happy he has taken up the challenge. It's very brave of him."

Button dismissed concerns that Schumacher's absence from racing, the injuries he sustained to his neck and ribs in a motor cycle crash and the fact he can't test the car will mean he is not fit enough to drive in Valencia.

The Brawn GP driver said: "Michael is only 40, which isn't that old. He has kept fit, which he needs to do to keep racing but he will definitely be fit enough.

"He definitely hasn't lost it and has still got the reactions. He will definitely be quick around the track but that's pretty much what you would expect from him.

"It'll mix up the last few races of the season for sure."

Former team owner Eddie Jordan, who gave Schumacher his big break in Formula One, also backs the German to make an impact.

Jordan said: "Michael is a different breed. He is a legend and anyone who dismisses him because of age is making a grave error.

"We all know what Nigel Mansell did, winning races at 41, and Michael can certainly do the same. He is a very wily character and is very proud of what he has achieved.

"He certainly would not have made this comeback unless he was certain that, given enough track time, he can deliver. Schumacher is absolutely hardcore.

"I would be staggered if he's not in the top 10 in qualifying in Valencia and he will be very close to the podium.

"I know he has not raced there before but he hadn't raced at Spa, when he drove for me in his Formula One debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, and he still qualified seventh."

Schumacher, who it is rumoured will receive £3million a race, said: "Even though I completely wrapped up the subject of Formula One quite a while ago, due to my attachment to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation.

"As a competitor, like I am, I'm looking forward to this challenge."

Massa was moved out of intensive care yesterday and his personal doctor Dino Altmann said the Brazilian continued to make good progress.

Altmann added: "He looks like a boxer but he's eating well, walking about, taking showers."