MS to replace Massa at Ferrari temporarily?

[sammyg2]

I did a quick check to see if this was posted already, if it has been, sorry.

Schumacher would consider replacing Massa
Tuesday 28th July 2009

Michael Schumacher would consider a return to F1 as Felipe Massa's stand-in, his spokeswoman has confirmed.


Schumacher has already been strongly touted as a potential replacement for the Brazilian while Massa recuperates from the injuries he suffered during his horrific crash at the Hungarian GP. While Schumacher's manager Wili Weber ruled out the possibility of his client returning to F1 on Sunday, it would appear that the German is now giving serious thought to the possibility of driving for Ferrari again.


"The whole thing will be considered by Ferrari. If they approach Michael, then he will consider it," the seven-time champion's spokeswoman told BBC Sport.


Although Schumacher himself ruled out a return to F1 in an interview two weeks ago, his spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm, clarified that his position may be different if Ferrari ask him to temporarily replace Massa.


"Usually, I would say he's not interested because he's fine with his life and he doesn't miss anything but now the situation is so different - it's very hypothetical - and Michael doesn't want to step into that [discussion]," she stated.


There is, though, a question mark over Schumacher's fitness after he suffered a neck injury during a motorbike accident in February.


"I really can't tell you if his neck would be fine to drive an F1 race," she said.


"If Ferrari asked him whether he would consider driving, he would have it checked - and remember he is a 40-year-old man, too."

[KNS]

Even if MS is as good as ever, the current team and car aren't quite there yet. They have improved since the start of the season though.... Of course, it would be cool to see him put the car on pole.

[motion]

Hey Sammy,

MS is categorically denying a return to the cockpit, as is his manager, Willi Weber. I'd like to see it, as I'm sure many would, but seems like he's made up his mind.

Alonso? Please no. I'd actually like to see SeaBass give it a go. But, I guess Lauda thinks its a bad idea.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by motion

Hey Sammy,

MS is categorically denying a return to the cockpit, as is his manager, Willi Weber. I'd like to see it, as I'm sure many would, but seems like he's made up his mind.

That was the case until a little while ago, now Shumi's spokesperson is saying Schumi might consider it if asked, and his manager is saying that there is no way Shumi will drive IN THE EURO GP.
Ferrari is not ruling out the possibility either. This story is changing as we speak.

[cl8ton]

I will go on record saying MS will not return.

There are way too many young guns that would take him out if he returned.
Besides, as mentioned, Ferrari is not quite there yet, close but not quite and MS being the competitor, it just wouldn't work out.

Ralph's brother is no idiot!

[stealthn]

How about Jaques Villinenuve (sp) he could use some work.

[oilonly]

Alonzo will be piloting the Ferrari. Mark my words.

[legion]

Has MS driven an F1 car recently?

If not, he's got a lot of learning to do. The cars handle differently from when he was driving, they lack traction control, they have KERS and adjustable front wings. It's not like he could just jump in a 2009 Ferrari and take off if he hasn't jumped in the cockpit here and there.

And all of that is assuming his isn't getting "old" and maybe his eyesight and/or reaction time hasn't degraded even the tiniest bit.

Clearly, MS was the best ever in F1, but no one can remain on top forever.

And I think for his legacy, just about the worst thing he could do is jump back in an F1 car. He'd just be another Michael Jordan or Brett Favre then!

[cl8ton]

Originally Posted by oilonly

Alonzo will be piloting the Ferrari. Mark my words.

How would that work?
Renault making progress, Fred under contract (as it appears) and there about to bum rush Jr to the door!

[motion]

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/090728164605.shtml

[McLovin]

Would NEVER happen. Makes no sense at all for him, and he would never do it.

[sammyg2]

Latest rumors are:
Now that BMW was announced it's withdrawl from formula 1, Robert Kubica may be moving to ferrari.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by legion

And I think for his legacy, just about the worst thing he could do is jump back in an F1 car. He'd just be another Michael Jordan or Brett Favre then!

You mean like Nigel Mansell when he "drove" for McLaren? Heh Heh.

[Amail]

Looks like it's in the works!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77418

[motion]

Can't wait to see this!

[Amail]

So, does the ban on testing mean that the cars cannot be tested on tracks at all, or just that the drivers can't test them? If the latter, MS may actually have quite a bit of seat time in these cars.

[Joeaksa]

BBC just announced it. Its a go so will be interesting...

[450knotOffice]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

You mean like Nigel Mansell when he "drove" for McLaren? Heh Heh.

Nigel got so...uh...big...that he didn't fit well in the car, as I recall. MS does not have that problem. He's still fit.

[450knotOffice]

Originally Posted by motion

Can't wait to see this!

Richard? Where the hell have you been? Good to see you back.

[Jims5543]

Originally Posted by motion

Can't wait to see this!

+100

IIRC the 2 times when he jumped into the F2008 he threw down very impressive times. Once during development and another when he tested the slicks for 2009.

This will light a fire under Ferrari as a team and it will make the tifosi insane.

Even if he does not win it will still be cool to hear the words Micheal Schumacher come out of the TV speakers again during a race.