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Michael Schumacher announced in his website that he will not return to Formula One racing .He said that a comeback was impossible due to the ongoing neck problems.
The seven-time world champion Schumacher, was all set for a sensational return to take the place of injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa for several races. He was to start with the European Grand Prix on August 23, in Valencia, Spain.
Schumacher said,"Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately 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."
Schumacher said he had fractures in the area of the head and neck in the bike accident and that "my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula One".
Massa sustained severe head injuries in a crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest on July 25. He is currently recovering for an indefinite period in his native Brazil.
Ferrari has not yet given any details but are expected to give the car to one of their test drivers, Luca Badoer or Marc Gene.
Schumacher's planned comeback was announced a few days after Massa's crash and caused a huge sensation in the motorsport world.
Ticket sales for the Valencia race had soared after Schumacher's comeback news broke, even though Schumacher's camp always said the return was pending the medical.
Schumacher, who retired from racing in 2006, underwent a thorough fitness regime with doctors in Bad Nauheim, Germany, but said early on that the neck was giving him problems.
Schumacher said "I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races."
