F1: Will Schumacher be in Massa’s Ferrari at Valencia?

Formula 1

F1: Will Schumacher be in Massa’s Ferrari at Valencia?

Could Michael Schumacher prove to be the ideal candidate to stand in for Felipe Massa at the European GP and beyond, should the need arise?

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted July 25, 2009

Seven-time Formula One Champion Michael Schumacher confirmed that he sustained head, neck and rib damage, and an artery injury, in a motorcycle testing crash in February. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Could Michael Schumacher prove to be the ideal candidate to stand in for Felipe Massa at the European GP and beyond, should the need arise?

While it is way too early for the team to make any comment, and we are just throwing this into the mix, the prospect of Michael returning to the cockpit for a race or two is not an impossible one.

Felipe’s injury appears to be more serious than was apparent in the immediate aftermath of the crash, and while he has a month to recuperate before the next race in Valencia, that will still be too early for a return to the track. Indeed some sources suggest that he could be out until at least the end of the European season.

Michael remains connected to the team and has attended several races this year, and while he has not tested recently, he remains in good shape. He is reportedly also having some turmoil in his private life, and while that may encourage him to stay away from the media, he could also be in search of a fresh challenge. He could also be the ideal man to give the team a timely morale boost while keeping Massa’s seat warm.

Schumacher had not raced at Valencia, but it is not a tricky track, while Spa and Monza – two of his favourite hunting grounds – follow on from there. The chance of sampling slicks and KERS may prove extremely tempting to a man who always enjoyed a technical challenge.

Ferrari’s alternative prospects are Marc Gene and Luca Badoer, neither of whom have done much driving lately. Although it would make sense to have the Spaniard in Valencia, from a PR standpoint Michael would seem to have rather more value. And Michael may well have watch Lance Armstrong’s more than respectable return to the Tour de France with some interest.

Watch this space... And remember you read it here first!

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