MICHAEL SCHUMACHER COMBACK!!!!!!

In Michael's case, I don't know if the traditional rules of skepticism will apply. The two reasons he is doing this are:

1) Massa's injury. Michael wasn't one of those retired athletes always keeping the world wondering "Will he or won't he?". Granted, there have always been the 'never say never' fanatics who refused to believe Michael had actually retired. But for those of us in the real world, it's fair to say he hasn't been pushing for a return. I also think a small part of it has to do with the injury coming to Massa himself. He's an endearing driver who has dedicated himself to the team, and I wouldn't doubt Michael felt a sense to step up in his place. Just a small part.

2) Timing. Pure serendipity had Massa's injury occur just days before the 4-week break. If this had fallen any other time during the season, Michael would not have had adequate time to ramp up his training and get in proper F1 shape. Ferrari would have turned to a test driver or recent dropout to replace Massa.

Michael isn't stepping into this role to prove anything, scratch some self-indulgent itch that typically leads to athletes making ill-advised returns past their prime. In fact, he knew when to walk away, and since Ferrari is experiencing a down year, it's more of a no-lose situation for him. Any successes will indicate that he is still competitive, any failures merely the result of a less-than-great chassis. Now, if he ends up finishing the season (I don't believe Massa will return this year) and then starts talking about 2010, that's another story.

 

Best piece in the whole thread. I salute you Sir. [tips hat]

NOW THAT makes some (horsey) sense. Pun intended.

 

Great post as usual Jack.

 

I don't think it was a no-lose situation. If he'd competed in a few races and done badly the 'less-than-great chassis' reason would only have held water if Kimi had also done badly. If Kimi had finished well in a few races (and on the evidence of the last race that looked very possible) and Michael finished nowhere that defence would have been blown out of the water, he'd have to have fallen back on the 'wasn't able to practise in the car' or 'injured neck' reasons.

In any case it looks to be academic if the reports that he isn't going to race after all prove to be correct.

 

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/index.shtml

 

what a shame .. i was so looking forward to seeing him one last time

 

+1000

U could have seen him in the Marina, for one last time. What a waste. I'm gutted.

 

I've never seen him race in person, and would have gone to one of the remaining races just to say I did. That's gone now.

 

That's a shame he's not able to do this. Makes you wonder about the level of pain he's experiencing, and the extent of the injury!

 

Time to get Eddie Irvine back in the saddle. ;-)

 

We can close this thread.

FOREVER.