Schumacher might back

Two experts have told Michael Schumacher fans not to get too disheartened despite the seven time world champion calling off his formula one return. The 40-year-old German wanted to fill in for Ferrari's injured Felipe Massa, but his own lingering neck injury meant returning at Valencia next weekend would have endangered his health.

Schumacher played down his motorcycle testing crash in February, but Germany's Bild newspaper now claims he fractured bones in his head and neck, as well as damaging an artery supplying blood to the rear of his head.

"He was lucky he did not have to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair," the newspaper said. Former grand prix driver Christian Danner, however, believes Schumacher will still want to return if his injuries heal. "Perhaps he'll be at Monza," the veteran of 47 grands prix is quoted as saying, referring to the Italian grand prix in the middle of September.

Another former German driver, Hans-Joachim Stuck, added: "I would not rule out a comeback for Michael totally. Perhaps next year, if he is able to recover from his injuries completely." Former team boss Eddie Jordan, however, has other plans for the Italian grand prix. "Massa has, thank goodness, made a huge recovery," the Ulsterman told BBC radio's TalkSport programme.