Seven-times World Champion, Michael Schumacher has confirmed that he plans to come out of retirement to replace Felipe Massa in time for the European Grand Prix in Valencia.
Following Massa’s tragic qualifying accident in Hungary, speculation had risen over who would replace the Ferrari driver, with Schumacher initially being ruled out by his manager, Willi Weber.
However in a statement issued by Ferrari, the German will now undergo a strict training programme to make sure that he has fully recovered from injuries sustained during a motorcycling accident earlier this year.
“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.”
Schumacher has not driven this year’s Ferrari, having experienced his last taste of Formula One during a Ferrari test in April 2008.
However, if passed fit, Schumacher will be given the green light to line up alongside Kimi Raikkonen for Ferrari, around the Valencia streets. A move which will surely see a surge in ticket sales for the Spanish circuit.
