Michael Schumacher returns to F1

• Formula One legend to stand in for Ferrari's injured Massa• Fitness not a problem despite three years in retirementMichael Schumacher has put his retirement on hold to make the most dramatic Formula One comeback since Niki Lauda's return to the sport in 1982. Ferrari confirmed today that the seven-times world champion, who retired in 2006, will make a sensational return to the sport as a stand-in for the injured Felipe Massa. Subject to passing a medical, the 40-year-old German will return at the European grand prix in Valencia on 23 August.Schumacher has made it clear that he is stepping in only to help the team for which he won five of his titles and, in particular, Massa with whom he struck up a close friendship during their 2006 season driving for the Italian team.It is expected that Schumacher, who will not be able to drive the Ferrari before the first free practice session at the Spanish track due to the ban on testing during the racing season, will partner Kimi Raikkonen in the seven remaining races this season."The most important thing first is that, thank God, all the news concerning Felipe is positive," said Schumacher in a statement. "I was meeting this afternoon with [Ferrari principal] Stefano Domenicali and [company president] Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe."He added: "Though it is true that the chapter of Formula One has been completely closed to me for a long time, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor that I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."Massa, who suffered head injuries during qualifying for last Sunday's Hungarian grand prix, continues his recuperation. The Brazilian has been moved out of intensive care, and his doctor, Dino Altmann, believes Massa will race again. "The improvements have gone beyond our wildest expectations," Altmann said.Former world champion Lauda believes Schumacher will thrive on his return. "Michael coming back is absolutely the best, most fantastic thing to happen in Formula One this season," Lauda said. "He will have absolutely no problem with physical fitness, because he has maintained his fitness to a very high level. When I was away from racing for two and a half years I did nothing but fly aeroplanes, not doing any training at all. Michael is different. He will be competitive, easily, for sure."The world champion, Lewis Hamilton, will realise a long-held dream when he races against Schumacher. In his autobiography, My Story, Hamilton remarked: "I was asked which former driver I would most like to race against, and I went for Michael Schumacher. I got a laugh by saying I was disappointed that he had bailed out the year I got to Formula One."Formula OneFerrariFelipe MassaMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Michael Schumacher returns to F1

• 'I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation,' says Schumacher• Seven-time champion will drive for Ferrari until Massa returnsSeven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is to sensationally come out of retirement to drive for Ferrari until Felipe Massa is able to race again, the team has confirmed this evening.The 40-year-old has not driven competitively since the end of the 2006 season. But Schumacher, who won five of his titles with Ferrari and who has been acting as an advisor to the team of late, will now race in the European grand prix in Valencia on August 23."Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro intends to put Michael Schumacher in Felipe Massa's car until the Brazilian driver will be able to race again," Ferrari confirmed in a statement.Schumacher, though, will first have to undergo a rigorous training programme as he is understood to still be recovering from neck and back injuries sustained in a motorbike test in Spain in February. But he is more than happy to come to Ferrari's aid in their hour of need after Massa fractured his skull in a freak accident on Saturday in qualifying for the Hungarian grand prix.Speaking on his official website, Schumacher said: "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 [president] Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe."Though it is true the Formula One chapter has been closed for me for some time, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."What do you think of Schumacher's sensational return to Formula One? Post your comments belowFormula OneFelipe MassaMotor sportFerrariguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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