Schumacher to return to F1

Michael Schumacher is to sensationally come out of retirement to race for Ferrari in the absence of the injured Felipe Massa.

Seven-times world champion Schumacher, now 40, has not driven competitively since the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix in October 2006.

But Schumacher, who won five of his titles with Ferrari and who has been acting as an advisor to the team of late, will race in the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23.

"Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro intends to put Michael Schumacher in Felipe Massa's car until the Brazilian driver will be able to race again," Ferrari confirmed in a statement.

"Michael Schumacher said he is ready and, over the next few days, will undertake a specific training programme at the end of which confirmation will be given of his participation in the championship with effect from the European Grand Prix on the 23rd of August."

Schumacher, though, will first have to undergo a rigorous training programme as he is understood to still be recovering from neck and back injuries sustained in a motorbike test in Spain in February.

But he is more than happy to come to Ferrari's aid in their hour of need after Massa fractured his skull in a freak accident on Saturday in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Speaking on his official website, Schumacher said: "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 (president) Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

"Though it is true the Formula One chapter has been closed for me for some time, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation.

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

Schumacher's announcement comes a day after manager Willi Weber had categorically denied his client would step in for Massa due to the pressure that would be placed on him.

"Whoever sits in the car at the next race in Valencia, it will not be Michael Schumacher," insisted Weber.

"I am not 100% sure; I am 200% sure. The pressure on him would be huge.

"He would be expected to win, but he has not driven this car.

"When Michael was racing he would get as close to perfection as possible.

"In this case, it would not be perfection, it would be a gamble - and that's not Michael's style."

Ferrari confirmed earlier today Massa was now out of intensive care, meaning he is off the critical list, that he was talking coherently - in Portuguese, Italian and English - and also walking.

Massa's rapid improvement since undergoing surgery on Saturday prompted doctors at the AEK military hospital to move the Brazilian to his own private room.

Ferrari spokesperson Luca Colajanni told Press Association Sport: "The most important situation is that Felipe is out of intensive care, and now in his own private room.

"He is speaking more or less normally, and he has managed his first few steps, so from a clinical point of view, everything is going in the right direction.

"There are no issues for the time being, and although we are still cautious, he is getting better and better. The situation is improving all the time.

"There was some suggestion he would leave the hospital soon, but he will remain in Budapest for as long as is necessary."

The progress has convinced Massa's own doctor, Dino Altmann, that the Ferrari star's motor-racing career is far from over.

"I have no doubt Felipe will race again. I'm sure of that," said Altmann.

"The situation is still delicate, but I believe his life is not in danger anymore.

"From the beginning I felt the trauma wasn't as extended as it was believed, but the improvements have gone beyond our wildest expectations."

Altmann also believes fears surrounding Massa's left eye, seemingly damaged after he was struck on the helmet at 162mph by a suspension spring that had worked free from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn during qualifying for the Hungarian GP on Saturday, are being eased.

"Stimulated by the physiotherapist, he showed he knows left from right and has full awareness of distance and depth," added Altmann.

"His eye has been opened, with care because it is still swollen, and he has said he can see. His vision has not weakened.

"He also gave appropriate answers in three languages. That means the brain's cognitive area is fine."

It is uncertain as to when Massa will return, potentially not this season, which means Schumacher could partner Kimi Raikkonen for the final seven races of the year.

One driver who will be particularly delighted to see Schumacher return is world champion Lewis Hamilton.

It has been one of Hamilton's great disappointments he never raced against Schumacher as he started his F1 career the season after the legendary German decided to hang up his racing gloves.