Blow for Formula One as Schumacher cancels
Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher has dramatically called off plans for a return to the sport, after failing a medical examination. The news is a huge commercial blow to Formula One and in particular organisers of this month’s European Grand Prix, which had been looking to Schumacher’s return to boost flagging ticket sales.
Last week the Spanish press was reporting that local promoters Valmor Sports had sold 10,000 extra tickets for the Valencia race following Schumacher’s decision to return – although the rise in numbers had been partially offset by the continuing doubt around local hero Fernando Alonso’s participation following his Renault team’s suspension from the race. Thousands more fans had been expected to attend the race to see Schumacher’s comeback.
The German is still suffering from neck injuries sustained during a motorcycling accident earlier in the year. In a statement on his personal website he said: “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. 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.”
He added: “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. These are the clear results of the examinations we did on the course of the past two weeks and the final examination yesterday afternoon. 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.”
Schumacher, winner of 91 Grands Prix in a career spanning 16 seasons, had announced a sensational return to the cockpit after three years of retirement as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa. Massa suffered head injuries after being struck by debris during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. He is currently recuperating in Brazil after being released from hospital last week, but faces a long lay-off.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said: "I am very unhappy that a problem means Michael cannot return to racing. In the past few days I could appreciate his 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."
Massa will now be replaced by Ferrari's Italian test driver Luca Badoer. The 38-year old has not raced in Formula One since 1999 and will be the first Italian to race a Ferrari since Nicola Larini in 1994. Badoer got the nod over the team's other reserve driver Marc Gene. Neither man, though, has anything like the commercial appeal of Schumacher.
Source: SportsPro Daily Deal
