Lauda lauds Schumacher's driving force

Niki Lauda believes Michael Schumacher is back behind the wheel because he missed the racing bug so much. Lauda knows what it takes to make a comeback as he spent three years in retirement before returning to the track again in 1982. The Austrian won the third grand prix of that season, and went on to claim the third of his world titles in 1984.

Neck injury still a concern for Michael Schumacher

A lingering neck injury could potentially prevent Michael Schumacher from making his return to Formula One...  

Pain in neck is proving a problem for Schumacher

Michael Schumacher has revealed a neck injury is giving him concern in the build-up to his planned Formula One return later this month.

Injury complicates Schumacher return

• Strain may mean German fails necessary medical• 'I see Michael winning again' says excited EcclestoneMichael Schumacher has revealed a neck injury is giving him concern ahead of his planned Formula One return with Ferrari. The seven-times world champion, whose comeback is contingent on him passing a medical, damaged his back and neck during a motorbike test in Spain in February and is still experiencing soreness."I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race," said Schumacher, who is due to drive at the European grand prix in Valencia on 23 August in place of the injured Felipe Massa. "All in all the training is going pretty well, although I have to admit my neck pinches a bit. We have to get a grip on that as health has priority. That's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife [Corinna] too."Neck injuries are particularly problematic for Formula One drivers given the enormous strain caused by the high G-forces they must endure during high-speed cornering. But Schumacher was otherwise upbeat. He said he had been overwhelmed by the support he has received since he announced his return last week after almost three years in retirement. "It's incredible how much support I have been getting from all over the world. It feels as if a flush of positive energy is coming over me," he said. "I accepted the challenge and as you all know I love challenges. It seems as if my fans love them too."Ferrari yesterday unleashed a barrage of criticism against Williams after the British team vetoed Schumacher being permitted to circumvent testing regulations and drive the latest Ferrari F60 prior to the European grand prix. "Guess who opposed the test with the F60?" asked a statement published on the Ferrari website. "A team that hasn't won anything for years and yet did not pass over the opportunity to demonstrate a lack of spirit of fair play."Michael SchumacherFerrariBernie EcclestoneFormula OneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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...