Michael Schumacher Returns to Formula One

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is coming back to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa, who is recovering from a life-threatening incident.

Ferrari announced that Schumacher had agreed to get back in the cockpit until Massa is ready to return, which may be until the end of this season. The next race is the European Grand Prix on Aug. 21 in Spain.

Schumacher said: "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, but as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

Ferrari said Schumacher will undergo a special training program in the coming days to determine whether he will be able to drive in Spain. There are six races left in the season, and Schumacher is 40 years old.

"Thank God all news concerning Felipe is positive. I wish him all the best again," Schumacher wrote on his Web site.

Schumacher, who had 91 wins in 250 F1 races starts, is still a consultant for Ferrari. Since retiring in October 2006, he has raced occasionally in a motorcycling series but was injured in a crash in February.

Schumacher won his first two F1 titles with the Benetton team. He joined Ferrari in 1996 and won five straight championships.