Like a big old tease Michael Schumacher has called off his much hyped return to Formula One. The F1 world has been whipped up into a frenzy with news the seven-time world champ would be back out on the track, standing in for the injured Felipe Massa, but it’s not to be.
It’s that dreaded pain in the neck that is behind Schumacher’s decision to withdraw. In a statement on his website Schumacher says, “Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.”
He continues, “The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike-accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe.
“I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power.”
So, that’s that then. Perhaps the only followers of Formula One to be overjoyed with this news will be Ferrari test drivers Marc Gené and Luca Badoer, who will most likely settle the question of who will race Felipe’s car with a game of rock, paper, scissors. The seat is vacant for the next Grand Prix at least, which takes place in Valencia in a couple of weeks.
UPDATE: Ferrari have announced that Luca Badoer will race for the F1 team until Massa is fit to resume his place.
[Source: MichaelSchumacher.de | Thanks to Wes for the tip]
3 replies on “Schumacher’s dream F1 return is over”
Luca is racing. That has already been decided…
Thanks Wayne, new update above with a link to Ferrari’s brief statement.
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