Formula One news

Recuperating Schumacher returns to karting

Michael Schumacher has driven a go-kart for the first time since receiving news that he would not be able to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari. Damage to the seven-time World Champion's neck prevented a Formula One comeback at the European Grand Prix although the German is now karting again and pleased with Ferrari's latest result.

Schumacher converses with eventual Massa replacement Luca Badoer in Valencia

With Schumacher having been the initial choice of replacement for Felipe Massa, who was injured in Hungary, Schumacher announced that he would be unable to step into the seat after reviewing medical test results. The 40-year-old's return to karting signals a step in the right direction, however, as Schumacher continues to recover.

"I have been at the old kart track in Kerpen (Germany) this weekend and, as I was here anyway, I decided to even compete in the races," Michael explained on his website. "It went quite well, I have to say; I came in second in the first final and first in the second one.

"My neck is okay, I still feel it a little bit but by far not as much as after the F1 (test) day. I could go karting even in the week after that day, as the stress is much less here."

Schumacher has made no decisions, however, to make a full-time return to Formula One. "Whoever thinks this was practise for a later F1 comeback is interpreting way too much into that fun drive," he continued. "I met friends here and experienced a funny weekend; some telephone calls with Luca (di Montezemelo, Ferrari President), the engineers and Stefano (Domenicali, Ferrari Team Principal) at Spa included. Nothing more.

"And of course I know about Kimi's victory at Spa and am happy for him and the whole team - it was about time this season. The victory confirms what Stefano Domenicali is always saying: that Ferrari is a team which you can never write off and that, even in hard times, demonstrates fighting spirit and sporting motivation. Again, I am very happy for all the guys who can now travel to Monza with their heads held high."

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