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Shock as Michael Schumacher calls off F1 comeback
David Smith11.08.09
Michael Schumacher today dramatically cancelled his Formula One comeback because of concerns over a neck injury he suffered in February.
The seven-time world champion had been lined up to replace injured driver Felipe Massa at next week's European Grand Prix in Valencia but has now ruled out a return following a second test in a two-year-old Ferrari racer.
During that session at the Mugello circuit in Italy it became apparent that a neck injury the 40-year-old suffered in a motorcycle crash in February might hinder his ability to withstand the tremendous G-forces generated in a Formula One car.
Schumacher, who quit the sport at the end of the 2006 season, said: "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.
"Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private test in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.
"I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed their 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."
Ferrari asked the German to return two weeks ago after Massa suffered a fractured skull in Hungary where he was hit by a suspension unit that had fallen from the Brawn GP of fellow Brazilian Ruben Barrichello.
Schumacher, who claimed five titles with Ferrari and the other two with Benetton, has entered 250 grands prix, winning a record 91 of them.
Massa's replacement will now be Luca Badoer, who is a record breaker for all the wrong reasons.
The 38-year-old Italian holds the dubious distinction of being the driver who has competed in the most grands prix - 48 - without scoring a point.
He hasn't raced a Formula One car since the 1999 Japanese Grand Prix but has tested for Ferrari for the past 12 years.
His presence alongside Kimi Raikkonen in the Ferrari team, rather than that of a track legend, is a huge blow to motor racing fans eager to see if Schumacher might still have been competitive against young guns such as Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.
Eddie Jordan, the former team owner who gave Schumacher his big break in Formula One, said: "We have been absolutely robbed of what was going to be the titanic battle between young Hamilton and Vettel against Schumacher, the old boy with the seven world titles. I was so much looking forward to this race."
Reader views (9)
The right decision made - he has nothing else to prove and risks his own life and others lives by driving a F1 car at his age, the senses and reactions are slower and theres too much competition on the grid - the drivers will all want a pop at Michael and try and challenge him. Its just too risky a sport, this isnt golf or cricket - F1 Kills. As for Hamilton & Button - you two fight it out, Scheuy is gone so forget it.
- Ancient Wisdom, London, England
A true sportsman - whoever made the decision, he made the announcement himself.
- Steve, London, England
schumi has done the right thing if he is not physically fit enough to drive a whole grand prix race he should not be driving because he would be putting his self and other drivers in danger,
and their is no point in schumi driving half a race and then retiring half way through that would tarnish his name and disappoint his fans,
- Mick, stevenage
He's too old and boring and would have to resort to even more cheating to win.
- Roger, Winchester, England
Who cares,rubbish boring so called sport,and why would anyone want to see an arrogant cheat return.
- Phil, herts
tough to drive in fi rubbish valentino rossi tested a ferrari a few months ago hadnt hardly tested before was offered a contract after test there little more than computer operators now i find fi bloody boring now sadly.no way does it compare to world superbike racing .
- C May, biggin hill
Its like going through all the emotions again...just like 2006. So disappointing.
- Chetna, London, Hounslow, London
It is a pity. It also shows how tough it is to just drive in a F1 race, forget about winning. Compare it with Golf where a 60 year Tom Watson almost won the Open or Cricket where a 40 year old Ramprakash is about to be recalled to a ashes decider!
- Nat, New Malden
That sucks
- Henry, Newcastle Australia
