The prancing horse automaker has confirmed that seven-time F1 champ Michael Schumacher will replace injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa until he is ready to drive again. Massa was victim to an unfortunate - and bizarre - incident where a flying spring struck his helmet and fractured his skull. The damage to his helmet and left eye was extensive, although his personal doctor did say his condition is improving and he should be able to race again.
"Michael Schumacher said he is ready, and over the next few days, will undertake a specific training programme at the end of which confermation [sic] will be given of his participation in the championship," Ferrari said.
Schumacher's first race will be the European Grand Prix on August 23, and he says he is happy to assist his team and temporarily fill up the open spot for the remaining seven races of the 2009 season.
Even after escaping serious injury during a motorcycle accident last February, and previously scoffing at the fact of ever returning full-time to Formula One, Schuey is set on grabbing the wheel of the Ferrari F60 F1 car in Valencia, Spain come late August.
Ferrari has just come off its first reveal of the 2010 458 Italia (the successor to the 430), which is said to be faster than the 430 Scuderia with its top speed of more than 203 mph. Have a listen to a video featuring the unmistakable crack of the 458's high-revving 4.5-liter V8 after the jump. Don't forget to crank up the volume.
audipilot says:
05:29 PM, 07/29/09
Interesting turn of events, it will be very intersting to see what Schumacher is able to do in a car which he has very little experience driving.
On a side note, I guess this means that Alonso will definitley be twiddling his thumbs come race day...
julianb says:
05:52 PM, 07/29/09
With no real competition this year, and the seemingly end of FIA rule. Formula 1 needs this...really, really needs this.
clarkma5 says:
06:49 PM, 07/29/09
julianb: no real competition this year? Huh? This is the most exciting season of F1 in years.
toyotapowerx says:
05:56 AM, 07/30/09
Yes!...call Juan Pablo Montoya .
e10rice says:
06:29 AM, 07/30/09
Whats really funny was that just yesterday i was reading an article in which his agent was quoted as say he was 200% sure he wouldnt be driving. This should be very interesting considering i always wanted to see my driver Kimi and Schumacher on track in the same car. hopefully this help motivate Kimi in weak season at ferrari.
putachino says:
08:03 AM, 07/30/09
Juan Pablo cant race on the F1 team, he is in the middle of the Nascar season.
P.S. Schumacher has a very close relationship with Ferrari as an advisor developer.
glacier says:
08:03 AM, 07/30/09
The testing ban will keep Schumacher out of the 2009 car for the next three weeks. His first drive in this car will be at the Valencia GP in practice right before the race. So don't expect a podium finish too soon.
Raikkonen's second at the Hungaroring, and Michael coming back can hopefully motivate the whole team to get a win this year.