“I was meeting this afternoon with [Ferrari Formula One director] Stefano Domenicali and [Ferrari and Fiat Chairman] Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe,” Schumacher said in a statement posted in his website.
“Though it is true that the Formula 1 chapter of my life has been closed for me for quite a while, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."
Schumacher opened his statement by saying, "The most important thing first: thanks God, all news concerning Felipe is positive. I wish him all the best.”
Schumacher, a legend among Ferrari and F1 fans, retired in 2006 after winning 91 Formula One races in his sixteen-year career. He won two titles while driving for Benneton, and five while with Ferrari. In 2003 he set the record for most wins in a season, only to break that record in 2004 winning twelve of the thirteen races.
The period when Schumacher drove for a Ferrari team managed by Jean Todt with chief designer Ross Brawn (who now runs the winning Brawn team) is considered by many to be the finest days in Ferrari’s modern era.
Schumacher, now forty, will have to pass a rigorous physical exam to determine if he is fit to drive an F1 car. He injured his neck and back while testing racing motorcycles at Spain in February. If he is deemed able to withstand the rigors of driving, his return will be a huge boost to Ferrari’s and Formula One's popular appeal.
