IT IS OFFICIAL!!! HE'S BACK!!!!

YES!!!! Michael Schumacher will be returning to the drivers seat of a Ferrari F1 car as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa. This incredible piece of news was confirmed by Ferrari today and has shaken the F1 world from the stem. >

Empty stands, low fan turnout, lower television ratings and politics off the tracks have been the main focus points during the 2009 season. After blistering away in the championship race, Brawn GP have been hauled back and things still remain competitive however, it is all going to change now.

No, Ferrari may still not be able to turn things around and despite the greatest Formula 1 driver ever, taking Massa’s place, the Kimi Raikkonen-Schumi team will hardly threaten to beat away the lead taken by Jenson Button and Mark Webber, at the top of the pile.

But what it will do is - Get the fans watching again.>

There is nothing that Formula 1 could have needed more, at this turbulent time, that could have upped their reputation and increased TV ratings. The European Grand Prix is probably going to be one of the most watched, attended, talked about, or even thought about race for a long, long time.

And why not?

The man who’s taking Massa’s place is no ordinary or upcoming racing driver. He is, after all, a 7-time world champion, 5 of them in a row; a race winner 91 times with 154 podium finishes while accumulating an incredible 1,369 points.

While the stats are just endless, there can be nothing bigger than the man himself and his move has come as quite a shock to many. Whether Schumi will still be as good as he was when he bid farewell is a thing that only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, Schumi will have his task cut out as the entire motorsport world will turn out to watch this man take the wheel. >

Michael Schumacher has applied for the F1 superlicense, which he should be receiving without any difficulties considering that if any driver, on a comeback to the sport, does so having driven in at least 15 races in the last three years, then that driver is automatically eligible for the license.

Michael attributed this thought to his discussions with the Ferrari top-rung. He said, “The most important thing first: thank 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.”

Schumacher, after retirement, has been a part of the Ferrari setup, albeit in a more withdrawn and developmental role.Once Massa is back to full fitness, he will be taking his place back.