Return of a Champion - Michael Shumacher

Hello F1 followers,

Michael is returning!!!

When Fillepe Massa got injured the only name Ferrari could think of was Michael and as consultant to the team Michael had a moral committment to respond to the need of the team.

He agreed to step in on a temporary basis from the European GP 2009.

As Massa may not be able to return to racing this season, it would mean Schuey competing in the final seven races of the 2009 season.

Although he has not had the benefit of extensive testing of the car this season, and his fitness levels may not be at the level of when he was competing - he has the advantage of not having raced the first half of the season so could be less fatigued than the rest of the field.

He is not resting on his past laurels and has already started training and following time in Fiat's static simulator in Turin, on Friday he completed 67 laps of the Mugello track in the F2007 Ferrari.

To give perspective to the return it is important to highlight that the German ace is widely recognised as being the world's best ever racing driver. In 1995 Michael became the (at that time) youngest double Formula 1 World Champion (1994 and 1995 seasons) ever. He is also the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 World Champion. This phenomenal record speaks for itself. His sixth title in 2003 beat Juan Manuel Fangio's long standing record of five championships from the 1950s!

He also holds the F1 records for: most career wins (91), most wins in a season, most career pole positions, most points during a season (148 in 2004), most consecutive world championships (5), most consecutive race wins (2004), most podium finsihes (154), most laps leading, most fastest laps (76), plus several others!

Can a return get bigger than this?

It can become bigger than the return of Cassius Clay (Mohammad Ali) if he outshines the field in the remaining seven races of 2009.

Jenson Button:

"But he won't be getting into the car in Valencia thinking 'Oh God, I hope Felipe comes back soon'. He is going to get in and love the buzz of it all again, and it's going to be a busy weekend for him."

Lewis Hamilton:

"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."

Best wishes and happy F1 racing,

Manoj