New Delhi: Michael Schumacher, the most successful Formula One driver of all time, is all set to make comeback to the racing circuit for Ferrari. He will fill in for injured Felipe Massa.
Schumacher has not driven an F1 car since April 2008 but has about three weeks before the European Grand Prix to prepare.
Even though he hasn’t driven a Formula One car for 17 months, the 40-year-old has kept himself fit.
"For team loyalty reasons I can't ignore this unfortunate situation. 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 and Ferrari president 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," Schumacher said.
The son of a brick-layer Schumacher rose to be the undisputed king of Formula One.
His name is spoken in the same breath as that of motorsports legends Juan Fangio, Jim Clarke and Aryton Senna.
The journey started from the carting track at the age of four and at 22 he made his Formula One debut and won his first world title at the age of 25 with Benetton.
But his career took off when he joined Ferrari in 1996. He won Ferrari's drivers title in 21 years in 2000 and went on to win five back to back titles.
Schumacher had become the sport
In 2006 he bid farewell to the sport but two years on he has decided to step back into the arena.
During this sabbatical he took ventured out part in motorcycle events, enjoyed life free from any competitive pressures, sailed and air-raced.
His canny racing brain still may be able to think of several things at 175 mph but what about his fitness?
Is his body ready for the force of up to 4gs?
Having just recovered from a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident in February, he will now undergo an intensive training programme before he gets into the cockpit again.
Schumacher's career
- In 1991 Schumacher made his F1 debut for Jordan and then switched to Benetton.
- 1992 saw him win his first Grand Prix in Belgium and he goes on to finish third in the championship.
- In 1994 he won his first World title with Benetton, winning eight races.
- In 1995 he retained his world title, winning nine races
- 1996: Michael Schumacher joined Ferrari.
- In 1997 he finished the season second but was disqualified from the Championship
- In 1999 he broke his leg at Silverstone when he was leading the World Championship
- In 2000 he ended Ferrari's 21-year wait for a world title, winning nine races
- In 2001 he retained the world title, again winning nine races.
- 2002 saw him win the quickest ever world title, with 11 race wins
- In 2003 he broke Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five world titles
- In 2004 he won his seventh and final world title
- In 2006 he announced his retirement from the sport.
- Now in 2009 he announced a comeback to fill in for injured Felipe Massa
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