.::Felipe Massa replacment thread - UPDATE - Force India releases Fisichella ::.

Given the current news regarding the condition of Ferrari driver Felipe Massa after his accident in the second part of qualifying for the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix it appears that he will need replacing for at least the next couple of races if not the rest of the season.

Here is a list of the possible candidates and in my opinion the likely hood of replacing him:

Schumacher to make F1 return in Spain

Michael Schumacher, the seven-times world champion, plans to come out of retirement as Felipe Massa's replacement at Ferrari from the European Grand Prix.

Following days of speculation about who would slot in alongside Kimi Raikkonen following Massa's Hungarian GP crash, Ferrari issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming that Schumacher was being prepared for the role.

The statement said that Schumacher was 'ready' to make his F1 return, and would undertake a training programme over the next few days to ensure he was up to full fitness for an F1 race.

The German, who quit F1 at the end of 2006, injured himself in a motorbike accident earlier this year and the team want to make sure there are no hidden problems before confirming his position.

Schumacher has previously baulked at the idea of returning to F1 full-time, but with Massa looking likely to return when he is back to full fitness, and Ferrari in need of a top-line driver, the opportunity is one that has attracted him.

"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive. I wish him all the best again," said Schumacher.

"I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo, and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

"Though it is true that the chapter of Formula 1 has been completely closed for me for a long time, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

Once Schumacher gets the green light, it will be the first time he has raced alongside Kimi Raikkonen, as the pair bid to secure Ferrari third place in the constructors' championship.

It also comes at a time when Ferrari's F60 appears to have made good progress on the track, and its KERS could prove to be an advantage in the forthcoming races at Valencia, Spa, Monza and Singapore.

Schumacher has not tested the current F60, and has not driven since April 2008 when he ran an F2008 at Barcelona.

The announcement of Schumacher's plans comes 24 hours after his manager Willi Weber totally ruled out the possibility of the German racing in Valencia.

"Whoever sits in the car at the next race in Valencia, it will not be Michael Schumacher. I am not 100 per cent sure; I am 200 per cent sure," Weber was quoted as saying by The Daily Mail.

"The pressure on him would be huge. He would be expected to win, but he has not driven this car. When Michael was racing he would get as close to perfection as possible. In this case, it would not be perfection; it would be a gamble - and that's not Michael's style."

Source Autosport

This thread will be updated as more information becomes available. to read up on Massa's condition check here

I think i read it was 2004 when Badour last raced for Ferrari. I think the only reason people believe he won't get the seat is that Mika Salo was chosen over him when M.Schumacher broke his leg in the nineties.

If he does get it hopefully he will be able to score his first points in F1 as Ferrari will need everyone they can get to ensure 3rd place in the constructors.

Badoer's last GP was the 1999 Japanese GP. As for Gene, his last was the 2004 British GP.

Gene could be a tip-in for the European GP at least, given he's Spanish.

And on a side note, Badoer himself has never actually raced a GP for Ferrari yet.

I think i read it was 2004 when Badour last raced for Ferrari. I think the only reason people believe he won't get the seat is that Mika Salo was chosen over him when M.Schumacher broke his leg in the nineties.

If he does get it hopefully he will be able to score his first points in F1 as Ferrari will need everyone they can get to ensure 3rd place in the constructors.

Racky_rules

Wasnt Badore in the Mindardi team back then though when Mika Salo got the drive for Ferrari?

[QUOTE="Racky_rules"]

I think i read it was 2004 when Badour last raced for Ferrari. I think the only reason people believe he won't get the seat is that Mika Salo was chosen over him when M.Schumacher broke his leg in the nineties.

If he does get it hopefully he will be able to score his first points in F1 as Ferrari will need everyone they can get to ensure 3rd place in the constructors.

Garfield360UK

Wasnt Badore in the Mindardi team back then though when Mika Salo got the drive for Ferrari?

He was indeed.

Personally I think if they need a short term replacement then one of the reserve drivers would be likely; I think Gene is more likely in that respect. If they need a replacement for the rest of the season, then I don't think Bourdais is a bad suggestion. I mean, Nicolas Todt is both Felipe's and Sebastien's manager, and there's the fact that he's driven with the Ferrari engine all year, and he is the only person fully available who has 2009 race experience.

Although it's not an indicator given the difference in skill level, he's a 4 time Champ Car champion, so he can drive. Perhaps in a poor car he's been made to look worse than he is.

[QUOTE="Garfield360UK"][QUOTE="Racky_rules"]

I think i read it was 2004 when Badour last raced for Ferrari. I think the only reason people believe he won't get the seat is that Mika Salo was chosen over him when M.Schumacher broke his leg in the nineties.

If he does get it hopefully he will be able to score his first points in F1 as Ferrari will need everyone they can get to ensure 3rd place in the constructors.

Redders1989

Wasnt Badore in the Mindardi team back then though when Mika Salo got the drive for Ferrari?

He was indeed.

woops my bad, i have spent literally all afternoon reading about Massa to the point i'm not sure what is what but thanks for putting me right on that one.

Lauda: Schuey should replace Massa; Ferrari testers 'useless'

According to this article Badour was overlooked in 1999 so now i don't know who is right. Still i agree with Lauda, but then again i'm biased although i'm pretty sure if Massa could choose a replacement it would be M.Schumacher.

Ah, perhaps he was up for a test driver seat then at Ferrari or even second driver to succeed Irvine as he left for Jaguar or even the seat when Schcumi had that bad accident.

I think they will probably use either Gene or Badour the next race or two and then see how Massa is. If he is long term out or likely to not return they may hire somebody like Sato (I hope) until seasons end.

Certainly Gene and Badoer will be top of the list for Ferrari one would imagine. JV, I doubt would be wanted. Bourdais has legal proceedings against Toro Rosso so may not be able to join in order to keep his legal bid viable. Schumacher could potentially do it (and IMO probably should!) but there is much saying he wont. Alonso will be stuck well within his contract with Renault and most certainly wont be able to drive for Ferrari.

Some douche on F1 Technical even suggested Valentino Rossi.... :rolleyes: he wont have a Superlicence. 

Rossi has driven Ferrari cars, but never the current-spec cars. The same applies to Schumi, who hasn't driven an F1 car since 2007.

Speaking of Schumi, Sabine Khem - Michael's spokeswoman - has said he would consider a return if Ferrari approach him, albeit he doesn't see the benefits to him if he did.

And if we're throwing names into the hat, what about F2 driver Mirko Bortolotti. He's Italian, young, and impressed in a Ferrari test recently.

Weber is still denying the possibility of Schumacher coming back.

Massa injury fuels speculation Schumacher could return

While Felipe Massa's condition continues to improve in hospital, speculation regarding who will stand in for the Brazilian at next month's European Grand Prix in Valencia is mounting.

Word in Italy is that there is still concern about Massa's sight in his left eye, with some suggestion sthat the optic nerve may be damaged. However Massa's doctor Dino Altman, this afternoon said, "Felipe has no damage to his left eye. He opened it a little, it is still swolleen, but he can see well. There is no obvious damage." Only aftre detailed checks on the optic nerve will it be known whether Massa will race again.

Doctors at the AEK hospital are saying that he will be released in around 10 days time.

Michael Schumacher has stated several times that he is not interested in a return to Formula 1, however, his spokeswoman Sabine Kehm told the BBC today that he would not automatically reject the idea should Ferrari ask him. The important thing about this message is that he is willing to race, Ferrari would not want to be the ones to initiate this.

This idea, however, was soon quashed by the German's manager Willi Weber who spoke with the 40-year-old yesterday and told the Daily Mail: "The pressure on him would be huge. He would be expected to win, but he has not driven this car.

"When Michael was racing he would get as close to perfection as possible. In this case, it would not be perfection; it would be a gamble - and that's not Michael's ****"

Ferrari's alternatives, though, are poor with the team's test drivers Luca Badoer, 38 and Marc Gene, 35 unlikely to be offered the seat. That would leave Schumacher as the team's only remaining reserve driver.

Should Schumacher decide to return, he'll be at the same age as Nigel Mansell when the Brit made his successful return to Formula 1 with Williams in 1994 which included victory at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide and it would come just weeks after Lance Armstrong, also a seven-times champion, made an astonishing comeback in the Tour de France, becoming the second oldest rider to take to the podium in Paris.

Despite not having been in the car since 2007, Schumacher still trains everyday while the regulations would allow the German to use last year's car to get back up to speed ahead of Valencia.

It is ironic, though, that should this come together, Schumacher make his return at a track he doesn't know. But just imagine what the atmosphere will be like at Monza just two races later.

Source: Jamesallenonf1.com

ED:Anyone else surprised by the fact he could use last years car to get up to speed, i assume this would apply to anyone then they choose as a stand in.

Ferrari have a policy against using rookies?

They hold the record of most rookie drivers after all, with 33.

SCHUMACHER TO MAKE F1 RETURN IN EUROPE

Michael Schumacher, the seven-times world champion, plans to come out of retirement as Felipe Massa's replacement at Ferrari from the European Grand Prix.

Following days of speculation about who would slot in alongside Kimi Raikkonen following Massa's Hungarian GP crash, Ferrari issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming that Schumacher was being prepared for the role.

The statement said that Schumacher was 'ready' to make his F1 return, and would undertake a training programme over the next few days to ensure he was up to full fitness for an F1 race.

The German, who quit F1 at the end of 2006, injured himself in a motorbike accident earlier this year and the team want to make sure there are no hidden problems before confirming his position.

Schumacher has previously baulked at the idea of returning to F1 full-time, but with Massa looking likely to return when he is back to full fitness, and Ferrari in need of a top-line driver, the opportunity is one that has attracted him.

"The most important thing first: thanks God, all news concerning Felipe are positive. I wish him all the best again," said Schumacher.

"I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

"Though it is true that the chapter Formula 1 has been closed for me since long and completely, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

Once Schumacher gets the green light, it will be the first time he has raced alongside Kimi Raikkonen, as the pair bid to secure Ferrari third place in the constructors' championship.

It also comes at a time when Ferrari's F60 appears to have made good progress on the track, and its KERS could prove to be an advantage in the forthcoming races at Valencia, Spa, Monza and Singapore.

Schumacher has not tested the current F60, and has not driven since April 2008 when he ran an F2008 at Barcelona.

The announcement of Schumacher's plans comes 24 hours after his manager Willi Weber totally ruled out the possibility of the German racing in Valencia.

"Whoever sits in the car at the next race in Valencia, it will not be Michael Schumacher. I am not 100 per cent sure; I am 200 per cent sure," Weber was quoted as saying by The Daily Mail.

"The pressure on him would be huge. He would be expected to win, but he has not driven this car. When Michael was racing he would get as close to perfection as possible. In this case, it would not be perfection; it would be a gamble - and that's not Michael's style."

SOURCE: Autosport

Ferrari have a policy against using rookies?

They hold the record of most rookie drivers after all, with 33.

Redders1989

Ok more of an unwritten rule given that i believe the there last rookie was in 1994

SCHUMACHER TO MAKE F1 RETURN IN EUROPE..

Redders1989

Words cannot describe my excitment but to sum it up given the choice between this and more money i can possibly imagine i would choose this

Ok here is a question, where do you expect Schumacher to finish in this race? Its a new circuit which he may not have driven around before, in a new car, with little experience perhaps of late in the car. I think this hype will get many excitied and expect a win from him where it may not be feesable or fair to expect it....

Yes he was a great driver but will he still have the same ability he did two/three years ago.

Algesuari was awarded a superlicence as a default measure from winning the Formula 3 championship. Other special considerations can also be taken into account when attaining a superlicence which I think is how Raikkonen got his back in 2001.

Next GP shall be exciting thats for sure!

RALF HAILS MICHAEL'S RETURN AS "GREAT"

Michael Schumacher's return to Formula 1 is the best news the sport could get, according to his brother Ralf.

Seven-time champion Schumacher is to replace the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari from next month's European Grand Prix at Valencia.

The 40-year-old retired from Formula 1 racing at the end of 2006, and he last tested grand prix machinery in 2008.

The Valencia circuit will be a new challenge for the German, who has never driven there before.

Schumacher will race alongside Kimi Raikkonen, and will also be on track with world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has never raced the German before.

Ralf said his brother's return is great news for Formula 1.

"He was itching to come back. But no one expected that," Ralf told German television network N-24. "After all the bad headlines on the sport recently this is absolutely great.

"Nothing better could have happened for Formula 1 than my brother coming back."

The shock return has elated German newspapers, who on Thursday hailed Schumacher's comeback.

"The God of racing has come back. The legend will drive again," read Bild newspaper's headline.

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport also celebrated Schumacher's return with the headline: "It's Schumacher turn!" on its front page.

SOURCE: Autosport

Hamilton 'excited' to race Schumacher

World champion Lewis Hamilton says he is excited about being able to race against Michael Schumacher when the German returns to the cockpit for the European Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion will replace Felipe Massa in the Valencia race next month as the Brazilian continues to recover following his accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

It will be the first time Schumacher has raced in Formula 1 since he retired in 2006, and the first time he has experinced 2009 machinery. He is also yet to drive at the Valencia street circuit.

Although Hamilton said he is still thinking of Massa, the McLaren driver admitted he can't wait to share the track with Schumacher.

"I am excited by the possibility of Michael Schumacher's return to Formula 1 assuming it happens, but my thoughts are still with Felipe and his family following his terrible accident in Hungary," said Hamilton.

"Michael is one of the sport's greatest competitors and a legend in his own right and it would be great to compete against him.

"The whole world will be watching his return to the cockpit in Valencia and it will not only be fascinating to see how he readies himself for his grand prix comeback but also an honour and a privilege to race against him for the very first time. I wish him well."

Championship leader Jenson Button also welcomed Schumacher's return, and the Briton reckons the former champion is likely to be competitive.

"It's a tough position for him to be in but I'm happy he's taken up the challenge and it's very brave of him," Button told the BBC.

"He's still young - 40 is not old and he'll still be competitive."

Source: autosport.com

Here is an article given a list of all the changes Michael Schumacher will have to overcome upon his return to the sport

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2009/07/30/the-changes-michael-schumacher-will-have-to-contend-with-in-his-f1-comeback/

My question is would it be anymore difficult than the changes a rookie has to overcome.

SCHUMACHER TO TEST OLD FERRARI AT MUGELLO

Michael Schumacher has began his preparation to return to Formula 1 action at the European Grand Prix next month.

The seven-time world champion will replace Felipe Massa in the Valencia race as the Brazilian continues with his recovery following the accident he suffered at the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend.

Schumacher travelled to Ferrari's factory in Maranello yesterday, where he worked at the static simulator to check the functionality of the steering wheel.

The German has borrowed an F2007 car and he is reported to be testing at the Mugello circuit today since 11am.

Schumacher admitted that he is trying to get as much mileage as possible before his return, even if it means driving old cars.

"There is this test ban in Formula 1, therefore I contacted some of the guys from F1 Clienti if they could give me a car," Schumacher wrote on his website.

"Although those cars are not current or last year's ones, I simply like to drive as much as possible, so this is a good option. The next weeks will be totally on preparation then."

SOURCE: Autosport

Ferrari asks for testing permission

Ferrari has asked rival teams for permission to have Michael Schumacher test this year's car during the testing ban ahead of the European Grand Prix.

The German driver will replace Felipe Massa at the Maranello-based squad in Valencia, but Schumacher had not driven a Formula 1 car since last year.

The seven-time champion has already began his preparations for the race, having taken to the Mugello circuit today in a two-year-old F2007 car.

But Ferrari has written to the FIA and to its rival teams asking to allow Schumacher to test for a day with this year's F60 car in order to arrive better prepared for the Valencia race.

autosport

Jaime Alguersuari only got to drive a Toro Rosso in a straight line; therefore Schumacher should have no extra benefits.Redders1989

yup thats what I was thinking 

[QUOTE="Redders1989"]Jaime Alguersuari only got to drive a Toro Rosso in a straight line; therefore Schumacher should have no extra benefits.mjk1

yup thats what I was thinking

I'm guess Ferrari would argue that Torro Rosso choose to change drivers where as they were forced to change due to unforeseen circumstances which they were not prepared for.

WILLIAMS OPPOSES SCHUMACHER TEST

The Williams team has opposed Ferrari's request to allow Michael Schumacher to test ahead of his return to Formula 1 at the European Grand Prix, AUTOSPORT can reveal.

Ferrari had asked all current teams, as well as the FIA, to allow Schumacher to have a one-day test with this year's F60 car to familiarise himself with the machine.

Schumacher drove a two-year-old F2007 fitted with GP2 tyres at the Mugello circuit last week, the German having not driven F1 machinery since last year.

The seven-time champion, replacing the injured Felipe Massa in the Valencia race later this month, retired from F1 competition at the end of 2006.

Williams said it is opposing Ferrari's request because it clearly contravenes the regulations, which state testing is not allowed during the season.

"While we welcome Michael Schumacher back to Formula 1, the fact is that any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited; a regulation clearly laid out by the FIA and adhered to by all of the teams," said team boss Frank Williams.

"It was for this reason that Alguersuari, who drove an F1 car for the very first time in Hungary, did not have the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Toro Rosso before he made his race debut.

"Williams sees no distinction between Alguersuari's situation and Schumacher's and feels that any deviation from the rule would create a precedent for the future.

"In a similar situation, Williams would unhesitatingly use its current test driver. For the sake of consistency and fairness, therefore, we oppose Ferrari's proposal to test ahead of the European Grand Prix."

Ferrari needed the unanimous approval of all teams to get Schumacher to test, which means the German will not be able to try to F60 before the Valencia event.

SOURCE: Autosport

ED: A reasonable stance in all fairness.

Red Bull teams block Schumacher test

Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso have joined Williams in opposing Ferrari's request to allow Michael Schumacher to test a 2009-specification ahead of his return to Formula 1 at Valencia later in the month.

The Red Bull teams are unwilling to cede to the request after Dietrich Mateschitz claimed that a similar one by Toro Rosso to give 19-year-old rookie Jaime Alguersuari some track time prior to his F1 debut in Hungary was refused.

"We asked for a test permission for Alguersuari before the Hungarian GP and it was turned down," said Mateschitz. "So why should we approve an exemption for a seven-time-champion after this?

"We are happy that Jaime did such an excellent job on his debut."

Red Bull's motorsport coordinator Helmut Marko told the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper that he believed Michael Schumacher would have little trouble adapting to contemporary Formula 1 machinery and therefore did not need to test.

"Schumacher is experienced enough to be fairly competitive in the new car very soon," said Marko.

"To let him do an extra test is not in the spirit of the regulations. If he indeed did his run last week on GP2 rubber it will make a huge difference".

"We have the same opinion as stated in the rules, therefore we cannot agree with Michael getting a test exemption", added Marko. "And we are not the only ones to have this opinion."

Source: autosport.com

FERRARI SLAMS WILLIAMS TEST BLOCK

The Ferrari team has hit out at rival Williams over its decision not to allow Michael Schumacher to test this year's car ahead of his return to action at the European Grand Prix.

Ferrari asked all Formula 1 teams for permission to have a one-day test for Schumacher ahead of the Valencia race, where the German will replace the injured Felipe Massa.

On Tuesday, Ferrari hit out at Williams, saying the team had demonstrated a lack of spirit of fair play. The Italian squad referred to its rival as "a team that hasn't won anything for years."

Ferrari also revealed it had given Toro Rosso its approval to test rookie Jaime Alguersuari ahead of his debut in Hungary.

"Guess who opposed the test with the F60? A team that hasn't won anything for years and yet didn't pass over the opportunity to demonstrate once more a lack of spirit of fair play," Ferrari wrote in its official website under the title 'Indiscretion'.

"Just for the record, the Scuderia Ferrari had given its approval to let Alguersuari test, but it seems even in this instance someone decided to stick to the precise wording of the regulations."

Team boss Frank Williams said on Monday that he welcomed Schumacher back in F1, but that his team would not allow him to test.

"While we welcome Michael Schumacher back to Formula 1, the fact is that any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited; a regulation clearly laid out by the FIA and adhered to by all of the teams," Williams said.

"It was for this reason that Alguersuari, who drove an F1 car for the very first time in Hungary, did not have the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Toro Rosso before he made his race debut.

"Williams sees no distinction between Alguersuari's situation and Schumacher's and feels that any deviation from the rule would create a precedent for the future.

"In a similar situation, Williams would unhesitatingly use its current test driver. For the sake of consistency and fairness, therefore, we oppose Ferrari's proposal to test ahead of the European Grand Prix."

Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz also said yesterday that his teams were opposing the test.

SOURCE: Autosport

SCHUMACHER SHEDS WEIGHT FOR F1 RETURN

Michael Schumacher says he has already lost three kilos as he continues to prepare for his return to grand prix action in Spain.

The seven-time champion admitted, however, that he needs more work on his neck, which is still hurting slightly.

"I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race," Schumacher wrote on his website. "I already lost three kilograms even if it is also important to me to build up muscles. So all in all, the practice works pretty well.

"I only have to admit that my neck pinches a bit. We have to get a grip on that as health has priority - that's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife, too.

"It's on! I accepted the challenge. And as you all know, I really love challenges. It seems as if my fans would love them, too."

Schumacher was also thankful for the support he has received since it was announced he would replace Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix.

"I really would like to thank all my fans who keep their fingers crossed for my plans for all the positive feedback. It's incredible how much support I get from all over the world in these days.

"It almost feels like as if a flush of positive energy is coming over me. Compliments to all of you!"

SOURCE: Autosport

SCHUMACHER WILL SHINE - ECCLESTONE

Michael Schumacher will give driving lessons to some of his rivals when he returns to action in Spain, according to Bernie Ecclestone.

"I think he's going to give one or two of them a driving lesson," Ecclestone was quoted as saying by Reuters during a press conference on Tuesday.

"He obviously wouldn't have decided to come back unless he thought he was going to be competitive and Michael is a competitive guy.

"He's always been super popular even though he won too many races and people said he was boring. He was never boring and he won't be boring now."

The seven-time world champion will race for Ferrari at the European Grand Prix, replacing the injured Felipe Massa.

It will be the first F1 race for 40-year-old Schumacher since retired at the end of the 2006 season.

Ecclestone admitted Schumacher's return caught him by surprise.

"I think I was just as surprised as Willi Weber - his manager - he didn't know he was coming back (either)," he added.

"I think it was (Ferrari president) Luca di Montezemolo that convinced him."

SOURCE: Autosport