Michael Schumacher will make his return to F1 in Valencia

Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world champion, plans to make his return to the track, replacing Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix.

Following the rumors that have circulated in recent days about the driver who would be alongside Räikkönen, Ferrari issued a statement this Wednesday evening confirming that Schumacher was prepared for this role.

The statement announces that Schumacher is ready to make his return to F1 and will follow a fitness training in the coming days to ensure he is in perfect condition for an F1 race. The German, who left the circuit in 2006, was injured earlier this year in a motorcycle accident, and the Scuderia wants to be certain that there is not the slightest issue.

Schumacher has already dismissed the idea of a full-time return to competition several times, but with Massa injured and apparently not fully recovered for Valencia, and Ferrari looking for a top driver for the replacement, the opportunity immediately attracted the German driver.

« The most important thing first: Thank God, all the news about Felipe is positive. I wish him the best again, » says Schumacher.

I was in a meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo, and together we decided that I would prepare to take Felipe’s place.

« It was very real when I said that the Formula 1 chapter was completely closed for me for a long time, it’s as true as it is for loyal reasons towards the team that I can’t ignore this unfortunate situation. But as the competitor that I am, I am really eager to face this challenge. »

Schumacher would therefore be Räikkönen’s teammate in Valencia for the first time, with the goal of securing Ferrari’s third place in the constructors’ championship. This also comes at a time when the F60 seems to have made real progress on the track, and its KERS could prove to be an advantage on upcoming circuits like Valencia, Spa, Monza, or Singapore.

Schumacher has not tested the F60 this year and has not driven an F1 car since April 2008 during a test behind the wheel of an F2008 in Barcelona.

The announcement of Schumacher’s plans comes 24 hours after his manager Willi Weber completely denied this possibility of a return to racing.

« Of all the possible drivers to take the wheel in Valencia, it will not be Michael Schumacher, » he said yesterday to the daily Daily Mail. « I am not 100% sure but 200%. »

« The pressure on him would be enormous. People would expect him to win, but he hasn’t driven this car. When Michael was in F1, he wanted to be as close to perfection as possible. In this case, it wouldn’t be perfection, it would be a gamble, and that’s not Michael’s style. »