**Michael Schumacher Returns to F-1*** (Update - MS not returning pg 2)
07-30-09 | 11:19 PM
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From: el clinico magnifico
If F1 had the race at Indy I would have definitely gone, I've always been a Schumacher fan but never had the opportunity to go to a U.S. F1 race until now
08-12-09 | 11:07 AM
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Ferrari Chairman Gives behind-the-Scenes Look at Schumacher's Dramatic Exit
Michael Schumacher is shown on his personal Web site, preparing earlier this month to race for Ferrari.
The German F1 champion injured his neck in bike racing and found it too difficult to readjust to Formula 1 racing, he said.
Ferrari chairman Montezemolo says Schumacher failed a medical test that had been intended as a mere formality.
MARANELLO, Italy — A simple medical test that seemed to be just "a formality" ended up with Michael Schumacher's dramatic announcement that he was abandoning his Formula 1 comeback, says Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, elaborating on the withdrawal in a behind-the-scenes interview on the corporate Ferrari Web site.
"Over the last days, Michael had anticipated that he was about to go back to Germany for another scan of his neck," said Montezemolo. "It seemed to be a formality. They found something that still didn't work.
"So it's better not to insist. We wouldn't do that at all. He had the small motorcycle accident in February and on the first laps at Mugello he felt that something was wrong. You shouldn't joke with your health."
Schumacher rocked the racing world on Tuesday with his announcement that he was calling off his Formula 1 comeback as a replacement for the injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa because of a "pain in the neck."
The Montezemolo interview was described as a "partnership with www.lastampa.it. In it, Montezemolo is asked why Schumacher, 40, was even considered as a replacement for Massa.
"He is 40 years old, but he's still from another planet," Montezemolo said. "I prefer the champion, even if matured, to the mediocre driver, even if he's young. Our circus needed some great input."
Schumacher apparently took his withdrawal hard.
"He lost 4 kilos (about nine pounds); same weight as in October 2006 when he raced for the last time in Brazil," Montezemolo said. "You can imagine how he took it."
Schumacher will be replaced by Luca Badoer, who last raced in Formula 1 a decade ago and has been working as a test driver for the Ferrari F1 team.
"Destiny has given him a unique possibility, now he has to make the best out of it," Montezemolo said. He added that Schumacher will "support Luca, who is already preparing himself with his personal trainer."
Inside Line says: More up-close and personal details from a key eyewitness about why Michael Schumacher called off his Formula 1 comeback. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
"Over the last days, Michael had anticipated that he was about to go back to Germany for another scan of his neck," said Montezemolo. "It seemed to be a formality. They found something that still didn't work.
"So it's better not to insist. We wouldn't do that at all. He had the small motorcycle accident in February and on the first laps at Mugello he felt that something was wrong. You shouldn't joke with your health."
Schumacher rocked the racing world on Tuesday with his announcement that he was calling off his Formula 1 comeback as a replacement for the injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa because of a "pain in the neck."
The Montezemolo interview was described as a "partnership with www.lastampa.it. In it, Montezemolo is asked why Schumacher, 40, was even considered as a replacement for Massa.
"He is 40 years old, but he's still from another planet," Montezemolo said. "I prefer the champion, even if matured, to the mediocre driver, even if he's young. Our circus needed some great input."
Schumacher apparently took his withdrawal hard.
"He lost 4 kilos (about nine pounds); same weight as in October 2006 when he raced for the last time in Brazil," Montezemolo said. "You can imagine how he took it."
Schumacher will be replaced by Luca Badoer, who last raced in Formula 1 a decade ago and has been working as a test driver for the Ferrari F1 team.
"Destiny has given him a unique possibility, now he has to make the best out of it," Montezemolo said. He added that Schumacher will "support Luca, who is already preparing himself with his personal trainer."
Inside Line says: More up-close and personal details from a key eyewitness about why Michael Schumacher called off his Formula 1 comeback. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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