Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher sees F1 return as
nothing more than an experiment,
says Niki Lauda

Aug 8 2009

NIKI LAUDA is convinced that Michael Schumacher will look on his return to Formula One as nothing more than just an interesting experiment.

The Austrian knows what it takes to make a comeback because he spent three years in retirement before hitting the track again in 1982.

He won the third grand prix of that season and went on to claim the third of his world titles in 1984.

Yet while Lauda returned for the long haul, he is confident that is not Schumacher's aim.

The German, who replaces the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari, starts his comeback at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23.

Lauda said: "He was never able to detox himself of the racing bug, as we have seen with his motorcycle activities.

"In my opinion he retired at the end of the 2006 season because he couldn't see a real challenge - and probably he regretted his decision.

"Now he's got the chance to step in for the injured Massa and find out for himself how competitive he still is.

"This is something that would interest me too, because this hunger for competition - for the adrenalin rush - never dies. It's in our DNA. And the situation as it is now at Ferrari gives him the chance to explore how far he is off the top.

"That is a question that always puzzles a top driver like he was. To Michael it's nothing more than an interesting experiment."

The only concern for the 40-year-old seven-times world champion is whether his neck, injured in a bike accident in February, can take the rigours of a full grand prix weekend.

That will be determined next week when Schumacher undergoes tests, with 60-yearold Lauda adding: "Forget about the age. He is fit, he's undergoing rigorous training, and mentally he is taking up the challenge."