After much media hype Michael Schumacher has announced that he will not be returning to the sport to replace the injured Felipe Massa in Valencia as hoped due to his ongoing neck injury.
“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,” Schumacher stated on his personal website. “I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn’t work out.
“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.”
Schumacher had been expected to test the F2007 again this week ahead of making the final decision in conjunction with his doctors regarding his return.
“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,” he continued.
“As there were no improvements after the day in Mugello, I decided at short notice on Sunday to do that thorough examination already yesterday.
“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.”
With Schumacher now out of the running, the team has confirmed Italian veteran and team reserve Luca Badoer will fill the vacancy at the forthcoming Grand Prix in Valencia.
“I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing,” commented Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo. “In the past few days, I could appreciate his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world.
“No doubt his return would have been good for Formula One and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again.
“In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances.
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In agreement with Stefano Domenicali, we have therefore decided to give Luca Badoer the chance to race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test driver.”
Badoer last raced in Formula One a decade ago with Minardi and with the testing ban in place, it is debatable how prepared the 38-year old Italian can be.
He made 48 starts in Formula One from 1993 starting with Lola before stints at both Minardi and Forti Course. Given the equipment at his disposal he was never able to score a championship point.
Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International
via F1-Live
