July 29th, 2009

Michael Schumacher returns to Formula 1

As if to underline that nothing is ever predictable in Formula One, Ferrari announced Wednesday evening that Michael Schumacher is to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa at the forthcoming Grand Prix in Valencia and beyond.

With Massa out of action due to the injuries sustained in qualification for the Hungarian Grand Prix and making a strong recovery, the rumor mill had been rife with speculation as to who would take over the F60 cockpit alongside Kimi Raikkonen as the Brazilian recuperates.

Indeed, no less than 13 drivers had been linked with the drive amongst reports that the 40-year old seven-time champion was not interested in resurrecting his career with the Italian champions.

“We have said before that it is possible that Michael Schumacher could return to help us out,” head of communications Luca Colajanni said ahead of the official announcement.

Schumacher last competed in the sport in 2006 where he finished second to Fernando Alonso in the standings, having secured no less than seven victories to add to his tally of 91 wins.

“Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro intends to put Michael Schumacher in Felipe Massa’s car until the Brazilian driver will be able to race again,” the team stated.

“Michael Schumacher said he is ready and over the next few days will undertake a specific training programme at the end of which confirmation will be given of his participation in the championship with effect from the European Grand Prix on the 23rd of August.”

A controversial figure despite his massive success in Formula One, Schumacher will be the center of attention later this month as the series regroups following the summer break.

Earl ALEXANDER © CAPSIS International

photo credit ©jalopnik

Bookmark and Share

Author: Jeff

This website uses IntenseDebate comments, but they are not currently loaded because either your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or they didn't load fast enough.

13 Responses to “Michael Schumacher returns to Formula 1”

  1. USF1blog says:
    07/29/2009 at 7:15 pm

    While not USF1 specific material, this is epic news for the Formula 1 world.

    Reply
  2. Kris Walker says:
    07/29/2009 at 8:41 pm

    …"13 drivers linked" Yeah right. Even though I am pulling for BUtton to do well, I sure hope Schumacher rocks until Massa gets well. I would hate for his out of retirement drive to suck!

    Reply
  3. StaceCaseria says:
    07/29/2009 at 8:53 pm

    Personally, I'm excited to hear this. I think it will bring a sense of reassurance to the team and Tifosi alike who have been shaken by 1) this year's performance and 2) Massa's absence. Plus, the dude knows how to drive a car fast.

    Reply
  4. USF1blog says:
    07/31/2009 at 10:31 pm

    Jenson Button comments on Schumacher's return:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formul...

    Reply
  5. USF1blog says:
    08/03/2009 at 1:22 am

    Animation of Ruben's center spring, hitting Massa's helmet.

    [youtube eHZybt3eOAI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHZybt3eOAI youtube]

    Reply
  6. Luke says:
    08/11/2009 at 4:19 pm

    No more Schumi! Buemi instead now.

    Reply
  7. USF1blog says:
    08/12/2009 at 8:36 pm

    Schumacher…here today gone tomorrow.

    Reply
  8. USF1blog says:
    08/15/2009 at 6:20 pm

    Schumacher speaks to the press, below is a link to that video:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formul...

    Reply
  9. USF1blog says:
    08/15/2009 at 6:20 pm

    Schumacher speaks to the press, below is a link to that video:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formul...

    Reply
  10. USF1blog says:
    08/20/2009 at 6:55 pm

    Luca Badoer strait line testing the F60 in Fiorano on 8/17/09
    [youtube sCtse8Xq8Wk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCtse8Xq8Wk youtube]

    Reply

Leave a Reply

© 2009 Twenty One Four LLC