Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has cancelled plans of a temporary return to Formula One with Ferrari because of fitness concerns.
The 40-year-old was due to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa, but with a neck problem suffered in a motorcycle accident earlier this year still causing him pain during testing, Ferrari have given the seat to veteran test driver Luca Badoer.
"I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out," he said in a statement.
"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, who retired in 2006, had been expected to return at the European Grand Prix on August 23 while Massa continues his rehabilitation from a fractured skull, but the German conceded defeat in his battle to get fit for the Valencia race.
The 40-year-old was due to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa, but with a neck problem suffered in a motorcycle accident earlier this year still causing him pain during testing, Ferrari have given the seat to veteran test driver Luca Badoer.
"I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out," he said in a statement.
"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, who retired in 2006, had been expected to return at the European Grand Prix on August 23 while Massa continues his rehabilitation from a fractured skull, but the German conceded defeat in his battle to get fit for the Valencia race.
