Schumacher cancels return
13 Aug 2009|667 views
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However, the 40-year-old German has announced on his website that his comeback has been canned, after medical tests showed that Schumacher has not fully recovered from a neck injury he sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier this year.
"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 said on his 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 was set to replace Massa after the Brazilian had suffered serious head injuries during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 25, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Schumacher said, "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 1 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 has now decided that long time test driver Luca Badoer will take Massa's place in the F1 seat for the rest of the season.
"We have 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," said Ferrari President di Montezemolo.
![]() |
However, the 40-year-old German has announced on his website that his comeback has been canned, after medical tests showed that Schumacher has not fully recovered from a neck injury he sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier this year.
"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 said on his 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 was set to replace Massa after the Brazilian had suffered serious head injuries during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 25, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Schumacher said, "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 1 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 has now decided that long time test driver Luca Badoer will take Massa's place in the F1 seat for the rest of the season.
"We have 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," said Ferrari President di Montezemolo.
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