So no Schumacher comeback after all

The bubble of hysteria surrounding the comeback of ex-champion Michael Schumacher has burst. The record title holder has had to abandon his planned return to the Formula One circus for health reasons. Because of an injury to his neck sustained in a serious motorbike accident last February, the F1 veteran is not fit enough to face the physical challenge posed by the GP race in Valencia on 23rd August. "I've done absolutely everything I can to prepare myself for this temporary return, but I regret to say that it just hasn't worked out," wrote Schumacher on his website.

So his successors in the top flight of motor racing will not be getting the opportunity to measure themselves against the legendary figure. And Formula One itself will now miss out on bumper business with the withdrawal of this major attraction. Manager Weber had been planning a new series of fan articles and the race venues were hoping for massive spectator turnout.