Formula One news
Schumacher absence 'huge letdown' - Legard
11 August 2009Jonathan Legard is disappointed to see Michael Schumacher unable to take part in the European Grand Prix after viewing the return of the seven-time World Champion as 'a shot in the arm' for Formula One. The Cardiff-born commentator does not underestimate the German's abilities to return this season, however, and advises all to keep an eye open.
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| Jonathan Legard rejoined the BBC F1 team as TV commentator this year |
With Schumacher having been drafted into the Ferrari team as replacement for the injured Felipe Massa, the German's own injuries from a motorcycle testing accident have forced him onto the sidelines to open the door for reserve driver Luca Badoer. "To be fair to the Schumacher team they said right from the word go that, because of the injuries picked up from motorcycle testing in February, there was a slight issue, a concern, about injuries he had to his neck," Legard explained to the BBC on Tuesday.
"The cynics will say he's left it quite late, he's gained a lot of publicity out of this and maybe he's stamping his foot in opposition and upset at other teams saying you can't do testing in the 2009 car and he's saying 'Right, I'm getting out now'; I would prefer to think that Schumacher's given it his best shot and he's unable to take it any further because of these injuries which he sustained in February."
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| Luca Badoer will race in F1 for the first time since 1999 |
The BBC commentating partner of Martin Brundle stressed that the return of Schumacher has been pending on this week's medical test results but understands the driver's decision to help his team. "Once you're a driver, you're always a driver, you always want to be competitive, so he wanted to give it a chance," the English 'voice of F1' continued.
"Michael Schumacher went out at the highest level and therefore to come back was a risk because it might tarnish his image if he did just tootle around near the back of the grid and not really have a chance of winning and not really look like the Schumacher who made his name as one of the greatest drivers ever.
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| Legard believes Schumacher could still return if Badoer is off the pace |
"Whether he's gone for the rest of the season is another matter; let's see how Luca Badoer does - if he's at the back of the field they may say 'Listen Michael, I know you've got problems but we really need to push on and see if you can come back'. Never say never, because you never know what's round the corner."
Tuesday's news will undoubtedly leave Schumacher and Ferrari fans disappointed around the world as the multiple winner, who retired at the end of 2006, remains a spectator for the Grand Prix of Valencia. "It's a huge blow to Formula One because this was a shot in the arm for the sport, a good news story - back comes Michael Schumacher!" Legard described. "Ticket sales suddenly went through the roof; to have Schumacher back, taking on Lewis Hamilton, they'd never gone wheel-to-wheel against each other, Jenson Button, an old adversary, back in the championship mix with the likes of Red Bull - it was fantastic news and now it's not happening so it's a huge letdown."
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