Re: SCHUMI RETURNS !!! !!! omg !!
[U][COLOR=#005689][URL="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/aug/11/michael-schumacher-formula-one-ferrari-injuries"]http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/aug/11/michael-schumacher-formula-one-ferrari-injuries[/COLOR][/U][/URL]
[URL="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/michael-schumacher"][COLOR=#005689]Michael Schumacher[/COLOR][/URL] has called off his [URL="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/formulaone"][COLOR=#005689]Formula One[/COLOR][/URL] comeback due to concerns over a neck injury.
Schumacher, a seven-time F1 world champion, had agreed to help out his former team [URL="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/ferrari"][COLOR=#005689]Ferrari[/COLOR][/URL] and step in for Felipe Massa on a temporary basis after the Brazilian suffered head injuries at the Hungarian grand prix last month. But the German has now abandoned the comeback after failing to overcome injuries suffered in a motorbike accident in February.
Schumacher said: "Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and team principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe. I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out."
The 40-year-old had intended to return at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on 23 August but testing designed to help Schumacher reacclimatise himself to the rigours of F1 have shown the injuries to his neck are "too severe".
Schumacher reportedly posted strong times having driven Kimi Raikkonen's 2007 World Championship-winning Ferrari at the Mugello circuit in Italy, but the neck pain flared up again afterwards.
He added: "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.
"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. That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula One yet.
"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. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races."
Ferrari says Luca Badoer will now drive in the European Grand Prix.
[I]What are your thoughts on Schumacher's decision? Who will now step in for Ferrari? Post your comments below[/I]