Schumacher is back in f1!1

[guitman32]

Breaking News -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/moto...ne/8172310.stm

"Schumacher makes shock F1 return

Michael Schumacher will make a shock return to Formula 1 to replace injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa. The seven-time world champion, 40, retired at the end of 2006 but has agreed to drive at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on 23 August.

Schumacher will stand in for Massa, who fractured his skull at the Hungarian GP, for as long as he is sidelined.

The German, who is a Ferrari advisor, said: "For team loyalty reasons I can't ignore this unfortunate situation." His spokesman Sabine Kehm told the BBC on Tuesday that although Schumacher was not willing to make a full-time return to F1 he would not rule out standing in for Massa. Now, the German racing legend has decided to come out of retirement and make a sensational return despite admitting: "It is true that the Formula 1 chapter has long been closed for me.

"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive, and I wish him all the best again.

"This afternoon I met with team principal Stefano Domenicali and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

"As the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

The German racing legend has not driven an F1 car since April 2008 and now has just over three weeks to prepare himself for Valencia. The ban on in-season testing means Schumacher will not be able to turn a wheel of the 2009 specification Ferrari before first practice on Friday 21 August. However, the team have chosen Schumacher ahead of test drivers Marc Gene and Luca Badoer to drive for Ferrari whilst Massa continues to recuperate.

"Ferrari intends to entrust Michael Schumacher with Felipe Massa's car for as long as the Brazilian driver is not able to race," a statement said.

"Michael Schumacher has shown his willingness and in the next few days he will undergo a specific programme of preparation at the end of which it will be possible to confirm his participation in the championship starting with the European Grand Prix."

Schumacher will undergo an intensive training programme to determine whether he is fit enough to return to the rigours of F1 racing. Since retiring the German has occasionally taken part in motorcycle events but in February he suffered neck and back injuries in a bike accident. Those injuries could affect his ability to drive an F1 car which places huge pressures on the neck because of the varying G-forces. Massa could be out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a fractured skull sustained when a spring from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn hit him on the helmet when he was travelling at more than 160mph during qualifying in Hungary on Saturday. The Brazilian is due to leave intensive care and is making progress, though there is also concern about damage to his left eye. Schumacher is close to Massa, who was his team-mate in his final season, and has taken a close interest in the Brazilian's career. BBC Radio 5 Live F1 commentator David Croft believes Schumacher is coming back because of his close relationship with the Brazilian.

"I think he's coming back because it is to replace Felipe Massa, temporarily. He is very close to Felipe, they've had a great relationship over the years," Croft told 5 Live.

"I think it's his way of doing something to help Felipe, and doing something to help Ferrari at the same time, because if you look at the alternatives Ferrari had, they weren't really alternatives.

"Who else is there who could come into Ferrari and hit the ground running, who knows the car, who knows the team, who could give them a podium?

"The European Grand Prix, which was not one we were looking forward to at the start of this year, has now got a real spice to it.

"Lewis Hamilton against Michael Schumacher for the first time ever? Jenson Button up against Michael Schumacher? How will Kimi Raikkonen respond? It's going to be fascinating."


____________________________________________________________


Cliffnotes: Massa got hit in the head at 160mph with a spring that detached from the back of Reubens Barrichello's car (Brawn GP) at Hungary qualifying, fractured his skull and had to undergo brain surgery. Ferrari chose Michael Schumacher to fill in while he recovers.

My thoughts: Crazy that they chose him over Gene and Badoer (Ferrari test drivers). Marketing rules all I guess.

[ErkTheJerk73]

I feel really bad for Massa, but HE1L yeah !

[rglbegl]

*goes to Formula1.com to verify*


Sweet!!! Schumie is coming back!!!!
Not sure the Ferrari is the most competitive car this year, but with MS behind the wheel it should make for a few great races.


Get well Massa.

[guitman32]

Yea the story started as a two paragraph bit on BBC at about 1PM. Followed it through until it was corroborated everywhere.


He is under contract with Ferrari, and Im sure there was some light prodding to get him to acquiesce on such short notice. After all Willi Webber (Schumi's agent) sounded pretty confident that he wouldnt return when the rumor mill started churning a few days ago.

[kutnupe14]

Was Schu or was it the car? Im not a huge F1 fan, but I tend to think his success was a result of a superior driver driving a FAR superior car....

[Jon70ProofZ]

What a great day! Michael Schumacher is stepping in for the Injured Felipe Massa pending a fitness test. While it is terrible what happened to Felipe and I wish him a full and speedy recovery, it is AWESOME that the greatest F1 Driver ever will be back in Ferrari for at least one race!

"Ferrari announced on Wednesday that they plan to draft in Michael Schumacher to replace the injured Felipe Massa at forthcoming Grands Prix, until the Brazilian is able to race again.

The seven-times world champion, who retired from Formula One racing at the end of 2006, will undergo a special training programme over the next few days to confirm he is fit enough to compete in next month’s European Grand Prix.

"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive,” said Schumacher. “I wish him all the best again. I was meeting this afternoon with (Ferrari team principal) Stefano Domenicali and (chairman) Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

“Though it is true that the Formula One chapter has been completely closed for me for a long time, it is also true that for reasons of loyalty to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am I also very much look forward to facing this.”

Schumacher has not driven Ferrari’s current F60 in anger and last tested for the Italian team, with whom he won five world titles, back in April 2008."


http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/7/9703.html

[idrive_MD]

Pending the results of Massa (I really hope he can come back next season), the interesting bit is that Ferarri might be looking for two replacement drivers for next year. With rumors of Kimi going lord knows where and Massa's fate undecided, it might be time for them to start entertaining some viable options...they could pick up the abandon BMW drivers since they are technically without a seat now that BMW has officially withdrawn from F1 entirely after this season.

More specifically for Massa, I hope he takes a page from Tiger Woods and just sits out the remainder of the season to better his chance at a full recovery and give it a solid go next year. They pretty much feel the only thing that will hold him back is his eye injury.

Schumi coming back definitely spices up the season and its going to be interesting to see him in a car he has never driven up until now.

[guitman32]

Originally Posted by idrive_MD

Pending the results of Massa (I really hope he can come back next season), the interesting bit is that Ferarri might be looking for two replacement drivers for next year. With rumors of Kimi going lord knows where and Massa's fate undecided, it might be time for them to start entertaining some viable options...they could pick up the abandon BMW drivers since they are technically without a seat now that BMW has officially withdrawn from F1 entirely after this season.

More specifically for Massa, I hope he takes a page from Tiger Woods and just sits out the remainder of the season to better his chance at a full recovery and give it a solid go next year. They pretty much feel the only thing that will hold him back is his eye injury.

Schumi coming back definitely spices up the season and its going to be interesting to see him in a car he has never driven up until now.

Agree completely.


Even though the reports are all optimistic about his recovery, I HIGHLY doubt he will drive again this season. Reading between the lines I think this could be the end of his racing career.

My prediction: Ferrari will do their best to keep his seat open next season, but unless they can be sure of his heath and recovery status, they are likely to strike an amicable deal and find a new driver. I'm still rooting for Massa, really great driver and upstanding guy.



Have you all seen the pic of Massa getting pulled from the car?? Its disturbing to say the least.

[guitman32]

Originally Posted by Low J.

It wasn't the car......the cars change drastically every year. He was just the GOAT plain and simple.

+1

Car was fast and reliable without a doubt, unstoppable at times (Barrichello results proved he was no schlub of a teammate after all), but Schumi pushed it to the top. Aside from some controversy (Indianapolis circa '05), Schumacher was consistently faster than his teammates.

[kutnupe14]

Originally Posted by Low J.

It wasn't the car......the cars change drastically every year. He was just the GOAT plain and simple.

Again, I honestly have no idea what Im talking about... I just remeber hearing that the engines were a big part of his victories...

[SirSpeedyZ]

awesome, wonder if he could win number 8

[Kwame@z1Auto]

I hope he pulls a Michael Jordan and stays in long enough to win another seven championships (ok, I'll stop dreaming now).

[350ZTheStandard]

Originally Posted by kutnupe14

Was Schu or was it the car? Im not a huge F1 fan, but I tend to think his success was a result of a superior driver driving a FAR superior car....

It surely was both, though the competive nature of Schumacher and the combination of the best engineering and $$$$$ at the time was an unbeatable combination. Ferrari has seen those days quickly pass them by, with new sporting regulations regarding in season testing and complete lack of wind tunnel testing Ferrari will be NO more competitive with Schu. He is surely a great driver and will do what he can to bring the prancing pony closer to the podium in the future. Rememeber he has been retired & not driven a F1 car in quite some time & WILL NOT be able to get in any seat time till friday qualify in a little over 2 weeks time.

I think everybody is getting caught up in the excitement of Schu doing some races, we should be concerned for Felipe Massa. Last time we saw a accident of this nature: The driver Christiano Da Mata was not able to return to racing at a competitive level & his career has since ended as a driver.


Massa is about to be a new father & I am sure he would choose to spend his life with his new son vs: getting back n a F1 car & risking another accident, possibly even worse. We can only hope that Massa has no long term medical problems as a result of the freak accident. Also consider the liabilities Ferrari would be taking by letting Felipe Massa drive their f1 entry in the future.

Ferrari was already in the process of looking for a new driver with Kimi Raikkonen's contract over at the end of this season. Maybe it is time for Ferrari to start looking for 2 new drivers for next season. I would beleive Nico ROsberg to be on the short list as he has been quite competive in poorly engineered Williams car this season. It also doesn't hurt that your father is a world f1 driving champion Keke Rosberg either.


The best part coming out of all the recent 3 big racing accidents (Massa, Alonzo losing a front wheel in Hungary & the recent death of John Surtees F2) is that safety for both drivers & fans is going to be scrutinized more closely.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...qMrAQD99M58DO0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_da_Matta

Collision with deer during test

On August 3, 2006 da Matta's car was involved in a collision with a deer that ran in front of him as he headed towards turn 6 during Champ Car open testing at Road America. He hit the deer with his right front tire, the deer then flew back and hit da Matta in the cockpit.[2] It is believed when the deer hit da Matta in the cockpit, he was knocked unconscious. He remained unconscious with his foot still on the brake when the safety crew arrived and extricated da Matta from the car.[3] Da Matta was then airlifted to Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin, where he underwent surgery to remove a subdural hematoma.[4] Following the surgery, da Matta was placed in an induced coma, to allow for the swelling to subside.[5] As of August 7, da Matta was making "slow but steady progress", while the doctors were working on reducing da Matta's level of sedation.[6] This slow recovery was confirmed on August 9, as it was reported that da Matta was able to move "all of his extremities spontaneously as well as in response to physical stimulation".[7] On August 20, da Matta was transferred out of intensive care.[8] On August 30, da Matta was confirmed to have made steady progress, conversing in English and Portuguese, and walking short distances.[9] On 21 September 2006, da Matta was allowed to leave the hospital after having recovered better than expected.







Most importantly Felipe Massa is by no way out of the woods. Best wishes for a full recovery.

[hndumafia]

Sad what happened to felipe. But it will make for a very exciting 2nd half of the season.

Perhaps we can see Alonso with Ferrari in 2010?

[guitman32]

Repost!

http://my350z.com/forum/the-lounge-o...in-f1-1-a.html

[JAM3Z]

I have the biggest boner right now!!!

[VashZ350]

hell yeah!

[TreeFittyZee]

Originally Posted by jam3z

i have the biggest boner right now!!!

MY BALLS JUST DROPPED!!! a

[norapat01]

Oh ****.....him VS Hamilton VS Buttons....its gonna be one hell of a race.

[JAM3Z]

Originally Posted by norapat01

Oh ****.....him VS Hamilton VS Buttons....its gonna be one hell of a race.

vs Alonso vs Vettel vs Webber vs Kimi vs OMFGTLKNBGCJHJB!!!!