Luca Badoer taking his lime light for the past 2 races, Giancarlo Fisichella taking over Massa’s seat for the rest of the season and now Vitantonio Liuzzi taking the cockpit in Force India.

Liuzzi was a Torro Rosso driver for a 2-year stint. He is now awarded with a race seat next weekend in Monza.

“I can’t wait to get back into the car in race trim, particularly at my home grand prix in Monza,” said Liuzzi. “I’m very motivated, I’m in good shape and hungry to get some more points on the board. Although it’s unfortunate that this came about as an direct result of Felipe’s accident, this is my opportunity to show people what I can do and I’m really looking forward to it.”

So with 2 Italian joining in for the Italian GP, things are going to get interesting.

Sources: F1-Live

Ferrari Team Boss Stefano Domenicali said that there is no rush for Felipe Massa into returning to the cockpit.

Felipe Massa is expected to recover fully by months end, and he is due to be examined in Paris (beginning of September). This will determine if he will be given the green light to race in Monza.

Patience people!

Sources: F1-Live

Michael had this to say on his official website”

“I’m not able to step in for Felipe. I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn’t work out. Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.”

“I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing,” said Luca di Montezemolo Chairman of Ferrari.

Luca Badoer (Ferrari long time test driver) will be replacing Felipe Massa for the Valancia GP on the 23rd of August. So much for the hype huh?

Press Release:

MILAN — Ferrari says Italian Luca Badoer will replace Michael Schumacher at this month’s European Grand Prix at Valencia after the seven-time world champion called off his much-anticipated Formula One comeback.

Badoer is a Ferrari test driver whose name was first floated by Italian media after Felipe Massa’s crash took him off the race circuit.

Schumacher, 40, agreed to drive in Massa’s place, but announced Tuesday he has canceled his return to F1 as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier this year. He says he informed Ferrari officials Monday evening that he would not be able to step in for Massa.

Schumacher, who retired after the 2006 season, says his neck cannot stand up to the stresses of Formula One racing.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Sources: Forbes

The news about Michael Schumacher returning to Formula 1 has brought up a lot of interest around the world (inside and outside of F1). Yes indeed this is great news and we are about to witness another history in making.

The last time a retired champion returned to a sport was Lance Armstrong, and this is what he’s got to say,

“So excited to see Michael Schumacher race again,” cycling legend Lance Armstrong, who recently pulled off his own sporting comeback, said on his Twitter page. “The greatest of all time!” the American added.

We all can’t wait for Valencia!

Sources: F1-Live

“We have said before that it is possible that Michael Schumacher could return to help us out,” head of communications Luca Colajanni said ahead of the official announcement.

Schumacher is currently under-going serious training in order to be fully prepared to participate in the European Grand Prix on the 23rd of August. This will certainly be exciting!

“The most important thing first: thanks God, all news concerning Felipe are positive. I wish him all the best again. 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. Ultimately I like challenges and this is a great challenge,” said Michael Schumacher.

Sources: F1-Live

“We have said before that it is possible that Michael Schumacher could return to help us out… We have two test drivers at Ferrari (Luca Badoer and Marc Gene) at the moment and Michael is an advisor. We have not spoken to him, but it is possible that this might happen. But we will have to wait and see what happens. It is something for (Ferrari team principal) Stefano Domenicali to consider over the coming weeks.”

It does make sense for Michael to return (temporarily) into the cockpit, we still know that he is unarguably the best driver that Ferrari ever got. For Michael to take on Massa’s seat, that’s going to be really interesting. A fight between Kimi Raikonnen and Michael Schumacher, the Finnish and the German again (Hakkinen VS Schumacher).

Sources: AutoBlog

1. Michael Schumacher
2. Fernando Alonso
3. Sebastian Bourdais
4. Jacques Villeneuve

Michael Schumacher is currently a consultant for Ferrari, and it’s a no brainer that he’s the priority in Ferrari to temporarily take the seat. But that said, his agent Willi Weber do not believe that the seven time world champion will continue to race, but sources reports that Michael might actually take the seat.

Fernando Alonso has been noted as the next person to take on Kimi Raikonnen’s seat for season 2010. Since Renault F1 is suspended for the next race following it’s drama at the Hungarian GP (loose wheel), rumor sees a one shot Ferrari drive for Alonso in Valencia. This will certainly boost up the ticket sales as this will be Alonso’s home race. But what will Flavio Briatore say?

Sebastian Bourdais was sacked by Toro Rosso, another Ferrari powered team, and co-incidentally, his agent happens to be Nicolas Todt who is also Felipe Massa’s Agent, and we all know the name Todt (Son of Jean Todt). Bourdais is a four time Champ Car Champion, and in order for him to get a ride in Formula 1 next year, he will need an opportunity like this to prove himself worthy.

Jacques Villeneuve, the old dog of the pack. The 1997 World Champion has been working hard to get a spot for next year, and he is also rumored to be racing with USF1 in 2010. He is certainly working on securing a temporary contract with Ferrari. Perhaps being a World Champion might just attract Ferrari.

We are all hoping that Massa will return this year, but with his current injury, chances are vague. Now, let the ball start rolling.

Sources: F1-Live