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Schumacher Cancel's Return to F1 |
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Tuesday, 11 August 2009 |
From Michael Schumacher's Official Website:
Michael cancels F1 Comeback
Consequences of bike-injuries make return impossible
"Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe. I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out. Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.
The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike-accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe. That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula 1 yet. This are the clear results of the examinations we did on the course of the past two weeks and the final examination yesterday afternoon. As there were no improvements after the day in Mugello, I decided at short notice on Sunday to do that thorough examination already yesterday.
I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races."
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FERRARI PRESS RELEASE
Maranello, 11th August
2009 - With Michael Schumacher now being unavailable to stand in for Felipe
Massa, as from the forthcoming European Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
announces that car number 3 will be driven by Luca Badoer.
"I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to
racing," commented Luca di Montezemolo. "In the past few days, I could
appreciate his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread
through the team and fans around the world. No doubt his return would have been
good for Formula 1 and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again.
In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong
attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances. In agreement with
Stefano Domenicali, we have therefore decided to give Luca Badoer the chance to
race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test
driver."
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 October 2009 )
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