Get set for the 'Schumacher spectacle'

The king is back in the ring! Michael Schumacher’s nod to fill in for an injured Felipe Massa for Ferrari has infused a new life in the team as well as the sport and it’s fans. Still more than 3 weeks away, the Spain hosted European Grand Prix had lost some sheen especially for the home fans with local boy Fernando Alonso’s Renault team banned for the race (at least till their appeal hearing).

Little had they expected a bigger package in bargain. After all, the chance to witness the king of racing competing in the red gear once again, that too with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebasitan Vettel was till now just a dream with little hope of turning into reality. And, though the absence of Schumi’s fiercest competitor at the time of his retirement, Alonso, will surely be felt, nothing can match the exhilaration of seeing this man back in action even if just temporarily, may be even for just a single race. And, sad that it may sound but with the update, most people will now be hoping for a healthy recovery for the eternal underdog Massa, but surely not an early one. They would now prefer to see the Brazilian get healthy, take a few days off and soak in the excitement of reliving the Schumi magic on the circuit.

F1 honchos couldn’t have asked for a better gift to uplift the sport crippled with infighting and burdened with the global economic crisis, with BMW becoming the 2nd major engine supplier to announce the end of their association with F1, after Honda last season. There’s no denying that with Brawn GP and Red Bull’s elevation to the top, the championship has taken an unanticipated turn with mixed feelings from the followers, some happy with the change in order, the others terribly letdown by their favourites. But, the sudden turn of events have made everyone forget the leader and the loser and all eyes are now fixed on the return of the 7 time world champion who has been working as a consultant for the Prancing horse team.

The 40yr old who retired from F1 racing in 2006, will undergo a special training programme over the next few days to confirm if he is fit enough to compete in the European GP. Yes, people already have their fingers crossed. And, with a a ban on testing during the season, the soonest the German will get to test the actual wheels will probably be 2 days prior to the race, that has now become a mega event. Here’s wishing that we get to see this post retirement chapter in the life of the legend and on 23rd August I can come back to pen these words – ‘The Master makes a masterful comeback'…. and although, even a no point finish will not be a heart ache, seeing him compete and be among the points will be an icing on the cake.

Picture Courtesy: www.tribuneindia.com