Drivers hail the return of Schumacher

Michael Schumacher's imminent return to Formula One has excited fellow drivers and fans alike around the world. The seven-times champion retired after the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2006, and last drove a Formula One car in anger in 2008, but he has been racing motorcycles until an accident in February. Nevertheless, officials have confirmed that he will not be able to drive a 2009 specification Formula One car until Friday practice for the European Grand Prix begins in Valencia on 21 August. Schumacher is believed to have told Ferrari, for whom he will drive as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa, that he does not think that will be a problem.

Massa vows to come back this year

If Felipe Massa has his way, Ferrari might not need Michael Schumacher as their saviour and his stand-in in the European Grand Prix in Valencia later this month. The injured Brazilian and the super-successful veteran, who were team-mates at Ferrari in 2006, have just begun an off-track race to fitness to claim the seat.

Schumacher Visits Massa at Hospital in Hungary

Michael Schumacher visits recovering F1 driver Felipe Massa at hospital in Hungary

Williams against lifting test ban for Schumacher

With Michael Schumacher stepping in to replace the injured Felipe Massa starting with this month's European Grand Prix at Valencia, Ferrari has requested from its fellow Formula One teams a one-time lift on the in-season testing ban in order to allow the famous German to acquaint himself with the current F60 over the course of a single day...  

Schumacher working for Valencia GP fitness

Michael Schumacher admitted he awoke the morning after his 70-lap F1 test return on Friday feeling somewhat stiff...  

Williams block Schumacher testing

• Ferrari move requires unanimous support of F1 teams • 'Any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited'Williams have said they will not approve a request from Ferrari that Michael Schumacher be permitted one day's testing at the wheel of the 2009 Ferrari F60 prior to returning to the starting grid for the European grand prix at Valencia on 23 August.Ferrari have been testing with Schumacher at the Mugello circuit using a 2007 car fitted with GP2 tyres, but felt they had to ask all the other teams if they would agree to a special dispensation allowing the seven-time world champion, who is deputising for the injured Felipe Massa, to circumvent the testing restrictions."While we welcome Michael Schumacher back to Formula One, the fact is that any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited, a regulation clearly laid down by the FIA and adhered to by all of the teams," Frank Williams was quoted as saying by www.autosport.com."It was for this reason that [Jaime] Alguersuari, who drove a Formula One car for the very first time in Hungary [eight days ago], did not have the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Toro Rosso before he made his race debut. Williams sees no distinction between Alguersuari's situation and Schumacher's and feels that any deviation from the rule would create a precedent for the future."Williams added: "In a similar situation, Williams would unhesitatingly use its current test driver. For the sake of consistency and fairness, therefore, we oppose Ferrari's proposal to test ahead of the European grand prix."It will require the unanimous agreement of all the competing teams, as well as the sport's governing body, if Schumacher is to be regarded as an exceptional case. It now seems that the German will have to wait until free practice on the Friday at Valencia before sampling this year's Ferrari for the first time.FerrariWilliamsFormula OneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds