Michael Schumacher Return Welcomed by Rivals

Michael Schumacher

Forget the radical regulation changes, the withdrawal of BMW from the championship, Felipe Massa’s life-threatening accident and the potential break-up of Formula 1, the focus of Formula 1 is clearly on the return of F1 legend Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher will return to Formula 1 on August 23rd in Valencia, Spain for the European Grand Prix in place of the injured Felipe Massa for Ferrari.

Current Formula 1 drivers are welcoming the return of Schumi.

“It will be good to have Michael back out there racing again,” said Button.

“There are very good people out there racing at the moment, but to have Michael there again will be very special, although I’m sure we all wish Felipe was there also.”

Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has also commented on Schumacher’s return, saying it will be an “honour and a privilege” to compete against the F1 “legend.”

“I am excited by the possibility of Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1 assuming it happens, but my thoughts are still with Felipe and his family following his terrible accident in Hungary,” said Hamilton.

“Michael is one of the sport’s greatest competitors and a legend in his own right and it would be great to compete against him.

“The whole world will be watching his return to the cockpit in Valencia and it will not only be fascinating to see how he readies himself for his grand prix comeback but also an honour and a privilege to race against him for the very first time. I wish him well.”

Source: PlanetF1.com

Michael Schumacher Returns to Formula 1

Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher only needs to pass an FIA physical in order to fill Felipe Massa’s spot at Ferrari for the remainder on the season. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion should have no problem with the physical since he’s been keeping fit by racing motorcycles and moonlighting as the Stig. Schumacher should be available to make his Formula 1 return at next month’s Europena Grand Prix in Valencia.

Schumacher never really left Ferrari as he has been on board as an advisor since his 2006 retirement. Expect Valencia, Spain to be extra red on August 23 when Ferrari’s hero returns.

Felipe Massa Awake After Horrible Crash

Felipe Massa

Felipe Massa is now awake and visiting with family members after his frightening high speed crash during qualifying in Hungary. The Ferrari driver was fighting for his life after a spring came loose from Rubens Barrichello’s Brawn car and hit Massa in the head while he was going approximately 150 mph. The impact from the spring knocked out Massa and he then slammed head-on into a barrier at 60 mph. He suffered brain swelling and damage to his eye.

Massa is reportedly now breathing under his own power and is able to move his limbs. He is described at groggy but is able to answer questions. Massa is not expected to return to Formula 1 this season. His future in the sport is questionable.

Ferrari Scrambles as Questionable Diffuser Design Ruled Legal

Formula 1 Diffuser

The complaints over the double-decker rear diffuser designs have been rejected as the diffusers were ruled legal by the FIA’s International Court of Appeal. Brawn, Toyota and Williams were all using the different diffusers which are believed to give the cars at least a half second advantage per lap.

Following the recent ruling, Ferrari stated that they have no choice but to modify the Ferrari F60 in 2009 in order to be able to compete.

Ferrari have gotten off to a horrible 2009 campaign as team drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen haven’t secured even one point in the first two races.

Source: Formula1.com

Brawn Reigns Supreme in Melbourne F1 Debut

The Brawn GP debut in Melbourne, Australia couldn’t have been any better. The team finished the race taking the top two spots with Rubens Barrichello finishing 2nd and Jenson Button winning the race from pole. There is still a great deal of controversy regarding the diffusers used by the Brawn GP, Williams and Toyota teams. Ferrari, Red Bull and Renault protested the use of the diffusers stating they were illegal. The race stewards dismissed these claims and decided the diffusers were acceptable according to FIA regulation. It is believed that the protesting teams will follow up with their previous complaint claiming that while the diffusers are technically legal according to the regulations, they violate the “spirit” of the rule.