Recharged Schumacher anxious to hit the track

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher admitted Friday
he couldn’t wait to get back behind the wheel and racing again at
the Bahrain Grand Prix in just over a week’s time.

Formula 1 Will Not Have Their Tom Watson

Last month we watched in awe, hope and romance as golf veteran Tom Watson came within inches of wining the British Open, only to be denied and lose heavily in the play-off. The heart said Watson, the head backed Cink. In sport we all love a fairytale story; the minnows triumphing or the glorious return of a legend. Formula 1 thought that it was going to have its own Tom Watson moment, unfortunately for them, that reality is now a distant dream.

When Michael Schumacher retired in 2006 motor racing lost a true legend. Seven times Formula One champion and frequent podium finisher, Schumacher cemented himself in the F1 history books. However just recently many thought he was about to return and re-conquer the sport he so dearly loves. He was planned to come out of retirement to replace the injured Felipe Massa this weekend in a move that was highly anticipated throughout, not just motor racing, but the whole of the sporting world. For everyone who despaired at Tom Watch last month they now had a chance to rejoice for Schumacher. Unfortunately Schumacher will not be returning to Formula 1 it just wasn’t to be and he will instead be replaced by Luca Badoer.

In February of this year, Schumacher was testing a motorbike at the Cartagena circuit in Spain when he sustained an injury to his neck. Despite the injury, Schumacher was reportedly doing extremely well while testing on the 2007 car at Mugello. Out of concern for his health the decision had to be made to cancel his return to Formula 1 but for the racing legend, it was probably not the way he would want to bow out for good.

However, perhaps there is a silver lining in the clouds. Many sports stars some out of retirement and, more often than not, it ends in disappointment and regret. While Watson did not come out of retirement, the story of the old veteran returning to glory days gone by has a certain romance and enthrall to it. Maybe it is best that Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1 did not proceed; thankfully we remember him for what he was, an outstanding driver, not someone who didn’t know when to quit.

Formula 1 News Round-Up

Piquet confirms Renault departure

The war of words between Nelson Piquet and Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has reached an unsurprising conclusion as Piquet confirms he has been given the boot by his team. “I have received notice from the Renault F1 team of its intention to stop me from driving for them in the current F1 season,” said Piquet on Monday. Going out with a bang, Piquet claims that he was mistreated since he arrived at Renault and that his teammate Fernando Alonso is given special treatment giving him an unfair advantage.

Massa is at home in Brazil and resting

The racing world breathed a sigh of relief as word got out that Massa was recovering well from the injuries he suffered during the qualifying of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Less than 10 days since he fractured his skull in the freak accident, Massa is resting and recovering at his home in Brazil. Ferrari has not set a date for his return to competition.

Michael Schumacher returns to Formula 1

The seven time world champion who retired from Formula 1 in 2006 will return to race with Ferrari in place of injured team member Felipe Massa. Schumacher has already begun training and testing (although not with the current car, the F60). His first race will be in 16 days at Valencia. It is still unclear how long Massa will be out for, or if he will even return this year. Can Schumi climb the leaderboard and claim an 8th championship?