Michael Schumacher will not return to Ferrari in 2009

Despite Michael Schumacher’s frustration, Ferrari has confirmed that it cannot, and does not want to, use the former German driver in the 2009 season as a replacement for Felipe Massa, who was seriously injured in a violent crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix more than three weeks ago.

The Scuderia put an end to the speculations that were running rife after the European Grand Prix, held this weekend, by denying the arrival of Michael Schumacher to replace Massa and therefore Badoer in the upcoming races of the current season.

The seven-time world champion nevertheless continues his physical training for a possible return in 2010. The doctors, who had detected problems in the German’s neck, might thus authorize him to return to the track depending on his rehabilitation.

« I am happy that [Schumacher] continues to train to stay in shape. But from now on, I radically exclude a return of Schumacher with Ferrari this season as a racing driver. » commented Domenicali – director of Scuderia Ferrari to a German sports daily.

Badoer had a difficult weekend and mediocre performances in Valencia. The Ferrari official imagines that the situation would have been the same with Schumacher: « Schumacher’s return would have been tough as well: it was very hot in the cockpit and the track is completely new. However, his approach is always more aggressive. Would he have done better? If he was so confident, it’s because somewhere he has confidence in himself, and maybe that would have been the case… but we don’t know. »

The Scuderia is increasingly communicating about Badoer, a prelude to a certain replacement. Luca Badoer is expected to have his last Grand Prix with Ferrari in Belgium next weekend. Many drivers are probable replacements.