ROME — Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is making a comeback for Ferrari to replace injured driver Felipe Massa.
Ferrari said Wednesday in a statement that the German had agreed to get back in the cockpit until Massa is fit to return. The next race is the European Grand Prix on Aug. 21-23 in Valencia, Spain.
“Though it is true that the Formula One chapter has long been closed for me, it is also true that for team loyalty reasons I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation,” Schumacher said. “But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge.”
Massa, 28, was hit in the helmet by a loose part from another car and crashed into a protective tire barrier at 190 kilometres per hour during qualifying Saturday at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Brazilian receieved multiple skull fractures in the accident and doctors say he will not race again this season.
Massa took his first steps since the crash on Wednesday and was later scheduled to leave the intensive care unit of the AEK hospital in Budapest. He also received a visit from Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.
Ferrari said Schumacher, 40, will undergo a special training program in the coming days to determine whether he will be able to drive in Valencia. There are six races left in the season after the European GP.