Neck injury still a concern for Michael Schumacher

A lingering neck injury could potentially prevent Michael Schumacher from making his return to Formula One.

The seven time world champion injured his neck while testing a German Superbike in Spain in February, and Ferrari cautioned last Wednesday that Schumacher's return will only be confirmed after a round of intense training and medical checks.

Schumacher, 40, was hospitalised after the Cartagena fall, and it was 100 days before he returned to the saddle of a racing bike. After his nearly 70 laps in a 2007 Ferrari last Friday, Schumacher said that his "neck pinches a bit".

Now, his spokeswoman Sabine Kehm has told German television ZDF that the injury could derail his return to the sport as planned for the European Grand Prix.

"It is not quite certain yet that his neck will hold and the comeback can be started," adding that whether Schumacher will race at Valencia "depends on medical investigations."

His manager Willi Weber told Auto motor und sport that those checks will take place next week and that "everything depends on his health and the decision of the doctors."


F1 : Neck injury still a concern for Michael Schumacher - SCHUMACHER - F1-Live.com

Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One is not yet a done deal and he still needs a doctor's seal of approval, his spokesperson has confirmed.

The seven-time World Champion is set to replace Felipe Massa at this month's European Grand Prix in Valencia after the Brazilian suffered a career-threatening accident in Hungary last month.

His spokesperson Sabine Kehm confirmed on Wednesday that his return is subject to a medical, which is expected to take place next week.

"He's still not absolutely certain that his neck will hold up. His return depends on medical examinations which have yet to take place. Only after these tests will it be clear if he can drive," Kehm told German agency SID.

She added: "Michael is committed 100 percent to his return and is completely immersed in preparations for the Valencia meeting.

"It all depends on his health and the doctors' opinion."

Schumacher admitted on Tuesday that his neck was still bothering following a motorcycle accident earlier this year.

"All in all, the training is going pretty well, although I have to admit my neck pinches a bit," he told his official website.

"We have to get a grip on that as health has priority. That's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife (Corinna) too."

Schumacher still needs doctor's seal of approval - Planet-F1 News - from planet-f1.com