Michael Schumacher has spoken of his disappointment at not being able to stand in for Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix.
The seven times world champion had to abandon his much hyped comeback after simulation runs showed that his neck, which he injured during a motorcycle accident at the beginning of the year, would not withstand the forces of a modern Formula One car.
“No simulation can produce the demands an F1 car puts on the body, so we needed to test to find out,” he told journalists at a press conference in Geneva.
“This is a very sad moment for myself. We have prepared very seriously, done as much as we could from our side, but we always said that I would do the job on condition I was ready for it and sadly I couldn’t fulfill this.â€
It has been speculated that Schumacher could still make a return to Formula One and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says he is keen to run three cars in 2010 and would be delighted to have the German on board.
Schumacher refused to confirm the rumours saying that he is currently too disappointed at not being able to race.
“Speculation in this business is pretty natural, the fact is that I’m disappointed I’m not able to do what I looked forward to do…that’s how I feel for now,” he said.
