Schumacher back in F1

[Tee]

Rubbish statement. He's way past his best. He hasn't sat in an F1 car for 18 months and is way below race fitness. Added the Ferrari car isn't good enough and I don't expect fireworks.

That said, Ferrari didn't look too bad in the last race and I think they and Mclaren may well edge Red Bull and Braun out.

Not sure I would go along with that. I am confident that he has been doing a few laps for Ferrari somewhere during that time.

[Paul.S]

He hasn't sat in an F1 car for 18 months and is way below race fitness.

Not sure I would go along with that. I am confident that he has been doing a few laps for Ferrari somewhere during that time.

He's one of their main testers and developers, however, the statement that I will agree with is maybe the race fitness levels.

[Reece]

Haha I know it's true, but having to be fit to drive a car is still funny

[souliv]

Cant wait to see him back a true legend of F1 he will give the younger drivers a serious test and I reckon he will win at least one or two races

[Guest]

Haha I know it's true, but having to be fit to drive a car is still funny

[Shaggy]

It's all off!

Michael Schumacher has abandoned his Formula 1 comeback with Ferrari because of a neck injury.

The 40-year-old, who retired at the end of 2006, was set to deputise for the injured Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on 23 August.

"Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello," Schumacher told his website.

Schumacher suffered the neck injury in a bike accident in February.

"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 added.

"That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by F1 yet. These are the clear results of the examinations we did on the course of the past two weeks and the final examination on Monday afternoon.

"As there were no improvements after the day in Mugello, I decided at short notice on Sunday to do that thorough examination on Monday."

Seven-time world champion Schumacher won five championships with Ferrari and had been working as a consultant for the Italian team before his decision to come out of retirement to stand in for Massa.

The German, who claimed his other two drivers' crowns with Benetton, has entered 250 grands prix, winning a record 91 of them.

His return was being eagerly anticipated but, despite trying everything 'medically or therapeutically' possible, he has had to admit defeat.

"I am disappointed to the core," said the German. "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."

More to follow.

[Guest]

He should keep his neck crossed.

[Imy]

They were speculating how he would cope with his neck injury and the fact that the G force is terrible to deal with.

I wonder who Ferrari will offer the drive too Alain Prost?

[-V-]

Well they have 2 reserve drivers. Might be an idea to use one of them