schumacher's surprise return

“for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation,” the german said on his website. “but as the competitor I am, i also very much look forward to facing this challenge.”

- michael schumacher

i like to think that i know a thing or two about cars (compared to most girls) but would definitely not consider myself a formula one fan.  what really touched me about this story is schumacher's sense of team spirit.  he will step in to replace injured felipe massa until the brazilian is able to race again (there are seven races left in 2009).  massa, 28, left intensive care yesterday after suffering head and neck injuries five days ago at the hungarian grand prix.  schumacher, 40, retired in 2006 and has acted as a technical advisor to the ferrari team since then, helping with design.  in order to prove himself physically fit enough to return to the extremely demanding sport, he will need to undertake a special training programme.  the next race - the european grand prix - is scheduled for 23 august which the german will enter with a record of 91 wins from 248 grand prix.  although some have been quick to call this a marketing ploy, former F-1 team owner eddie jordan believes otherwise. "anyone who dismisses michael schumacher because of age is making a grave error.  he is a different breed.” now i just need a "team michael" tee....