**Michael Schumacher Returns to F-1*** (Update - MS not returning pg 2)
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From: el clinico magnifico
**Michael Schumacher Returns to F-1*** (Update - MS not returning pg 2)
Schumacher to make F1 return in Spain
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, July 29th 2009, 16:51 GMT
Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world champion, plans to come out of retirement as Felipe Massa's replacement at Ferrari from the European Grand Prix.
Following days of speculation about who would slot in alongside Kimi Raikkonen following Massa's Hungarian GP crash, Ferrari issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming that Schumacher was being prepared for the role.
The statement said that Schumacher was 'ready' to make his F1 return, and would undertake a training programme over the next few days to ensure he was up to full fitness for an F1 race.
The German, who quit F1 at the end of 2006, injured himself in a motorbike accident earlier this year and the team want to make sure there are no hidden problems before confirming his position.
Schumacher has previously baulked at the idea of returning to F1 full-time, but with Massa looking likely to return when he is back to full fitness, and Ferrari in need of a top-line driver, the opportunity is one that has attracted him.
"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive. I wish him all the best again," said Schumacher.
"I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo, and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.
"Though it is true that the chapter of Formula 1 has been completely closed for 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 I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."
Once Schumacher gets the green light, it will be the first time he has raced alongside Kimi Raikkonen, as the pair bid to secure Ferrari third place in the constructors' championship.
It also comes at a time when Ferrari's F60 appears to have made good progress on the track, and its KERS could prove to be an advantage in the forthcoming races at Valencia, Spa, Monza and Singapore.
Schumacher has not tested the current F60, and has not driven since April 2008 when he ran an F2008 at Barcelona.
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, July 29th 2009, 16:51 GMT
Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world champion, plans to come out of retirement as Felipe Massa's replacement at Ferrari from the European Grand Prix.
Following days of speculation about who would slot in alongside Kimi Raikkonen following Massa's Hungarian GP crash, Ferrari issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming that Schumacher was being prepared for the role.
The statement said that Schumacher was 'ready' to make his F1 return, and would undertake a training programme over the next few days to ensure he was up to full fitness for an F1 race.
The German, who quit F1 at the end of 2006, injured himself in a motorbike accident earlier this year and the team want to make sure there are no hidden problems before confirming his position.
Schumacher has previously baulked at the idea of returning to F1 full-time, but with Massa looking likely to return when he is back to full fitness, and Ferrari in need of a top-line driver, the opportunity is one that has attracted him.
"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive. I wish him all the best again," said Schumacher.
"I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo, and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.
"Though it is true that the chapter of Formula 1 has been completely closed for 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 I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."
Once Schumacher gets the green light, it will be the first time he has raced alongside Kimi Raikkonen, as the pair bid to secure Ferrari third place in the constructors' championship.
It also comes at a time when Ferrari's F60 appears to have made good progress on the track, and its KERS could prove to be an advantage in the forthcoming races at Valencia, Spa, Monza and Singapore.
Schumacher has not tested the current F60, and has not driven since April 2008 when he ran an F2008 at Barcelona.
It's nice to see him return, I just wish is was not under these circumstances (Massa's injury). I'm also happy to hear that Massa will be released in a few days and the damage to his eye is not that bad
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: VA
Very true....everyone will expect nothing short of an *** kicking on his part. Problem is, the car is not a top performer this year, and he has been out for a little while now. I am not sure how he has maintained himself recently, but he used to be insane about training, diet, team control, etc. Plus, no testing. It would be a lot to expect him to pick right back up where he left off, but I will still be watching eagerly following the summer break. Almost cruel that we have to wait so long no that we know.
Lexus Fanatic
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this is crazy!
he only has 3 weeks to get back into shape
but knowing it is schumacker, he will probably pull it off
such a dedicated and aggressive driver, he will do whatever it takes to get the job done
lol
btw did you guys hear about BMW pulling out of F1 next year too?
maybe Ferrari should pick up kubica if massa cannot race anymore
but i do hope massa can fully recover and resume doing what he loves the most, race
he only has 3 weeks to get back into shape
but knowing it is schumacker, he will probably pull it off
such a dedicated and aggressive driver, he will do whatever it takes to get the job done
lol
btw did you guys hear about BMW pulling out of F1 next year too?
maybe Ferrari should pick up kubica if massa cannot race anymore
but i do hope massa can fully recover and resume doing what he loves the most, race
Pole Position
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Driver School Candidate
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From: VA
I believe at this exact moment, all teams but BMW are on board. That could change in an hour as it has been flip flopping, but they have come to some agreement. US GP is also in for next year, and I believe there are something like 6 other new teams that want in. Who knows, maybe we will be back at 22 cars next year. Certainly some talent up for grabs with BMW out.
Pole Position
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There were more applications than slots available. Some of the applicants may have been questionable but my guess is that at least 1/2 could have a real shot.
The applicants that knocked on the door but were turned down are:
Prodrive F1
Lola Cars (I'm pretty sure since withdrawn)
Team Lotus
Epsilon Euskadi
Brabham
And perhaps a couple others I can't think of right now. So there are teams that want in (Epsilon Euskadi rumored to have inside track for BMW slot).
The applicants that knocked on the door but were turned down are:
Prodrive F1
Lola Cars (I'm pretty sure since withdrawn)
Team Lotus
Epsilon Euskadi
Brabham
And perhaps a couple others I can't think of right now. So there are teams that want in (Epsilon Euskadi rumored to have inside track for BMW slot).
